AI: A Mix of Emotions

Last year, AI took the world by storm, and its effect has been felt across global industries. I often hear leaders discuss its impact on work and what value it brings to businesses as they navigate their quickly shifting workplace cultures.?

When considering the massive changes that AI has brought to workplace culture, we must consider the most profound human element: emotions. What emotions do you feel when you think about AI? Most report feeling excitement or fear. We feel excitement for the benefits and possibilities, and fear in anticipation of all the things we might lose (the loss of control, loss of privacy and loss of human value).?

A while ago, I sat down with a friend who is a professional copywriter and communications expert. She admitted to sometimes feeling worthless in the face of AI. Considering that generative AI can now write content, albeit without the human touch — it’s understandable that she’s experiencing fear of her new, non-human competitor. After an exciting, 20-year career, she’s coping with the potential loss of being replaced by technology. This is an example of the fear of losing human value.

Will AI take over my job?

This is the most common fear I hear when it comes to the workforce facing the changes that AI brings. A follow up question: How do I keep myself indispensable? As leaders, if we do not address the emotions behind these questions, we will not be able to incorporate the new technology into our workplace cultures.

It’s not enough to understand these fears: we must also address them consciously and intentionally to solve the issue. Resolving our fears around AI is the collective responsibility of individuals, companies, and government authorities.?

As individuals, we must learn to see AI for what’s factually true about it — not just through the lens of our own emotions and judgements. There are various theories in psychology about the relationship between emotions and thoughts. Do emotions precede thoughts or vice versa? My personal experience is that my thoughts drive my emotions, especially at work. Whenever I consciously change how I think on a particular topic, my thoughts generate a feeling that serves me, which I act upon.

Turning fear into excitement

The best way to face AI is to be proactive and make an effort to manage your thoughts and, thus, feelings on AI. Some insights below can make it easier:

1. With the pace of new technology, every job is changing. Even if you are not in technology. You can be a civil engineer, designer, or a scriptwriter as my friend. Every job right now is being transformed by technology. That is why, your success factor in your career is the ability to acquire new skills. Not only the skills to do the job you got, but how you prepare yourself for future. Continuous learning, the desire for upskilling and reskilling are crucial for today’s workforce.
2. While AI offers incredible potential, it's crucial to acknowledge that it complements human skills and not replaces them. AI handles repetitive and tedious tasks, which allows for more free time for higher-value work where you can add your personal value with your creativity, empathy, and critical thinking. This increases personal satisfaction and productivity.?You may be wondering about how my friend is doing. She now uses AI for scriptwriting, and this way, she realized her human power. She focuses her time on social and political dynamics, shifting messaging as needed, managing hot-button issues, and public perception. All of these things keep her busy at work.
3. With the need for up/reskilling, thanks to technology, development and learning tools are easier to access, and growth opportunities are much more eminent. As an employee, you get personalized support like consumers, which is creating a better employee experience.?If you put enough time and effort into it, you can differentiate yourself in your business, which will help you overcome your fears.

Companies should also take action to help their employees manage their perceptions and emotions on AI. I will tackle that in my next article. Stay tuned!

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A collection of references and insights:

- This IBM Institute for Business Value (IBV) report, ”Augmented Work for an automated, AI-driven world”, explains the value of human-machine partnerships.

- The Neuroscience and our fears about AI are deeply examined in the article “Neuroscience, Artificial Intelligence, and Our Fears: A Journey of Understanding and Acceptance.”

- Ron Carucci talks about the fear of AI and new opportunities it brings in his Forbes article?“Leaders, Don’t Fear AI…Embrace It.“

- Emotions and thoughts – Which one precedes other? To read more about this topic, see article “Feelings First or Second”?in Psychology Today .

The views expressed in this newsletter are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of my employer, company, or colleagues.