Artificial Intelligence and its Impact on Mental Health

For individuals struggling with social anxiety or isolation, these digital interactions can feel like a lifeline.

However, this very ease of access can also lead to a sense of isolation. The often idealized versions of reality presented online encourage comparisons, leading to feelings of inadequacy.

Furthermore, relying solely on AI for social interaction can diminish our capacity for genuine human connection, leading to a shallower sense of belonging and self.

Decision Fatigue and Loss of Agency

As AI systems become more sophisticated, they are taking on a greater role in decision-making, from recommending what we watch and buy, to influencing our career paths, and even who we date.

While convenience is a clear advantage, it can also lead to decision fatigue – the mental exhaustion from being presented with too many AI-generated options.

More concerning is the potential for a creeping, but debilitating loss of agency. When algorithms dictate so much of our lives, we may feel less in control, leading to feelings of helplessness and a decreased sense of purpose.

Fear of the Unknown

The rapid advancements in AI, particularly the discussions around Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and its potential societal impact, can trigger existential anxiety.

Questions about job loss, the future of work, the very definition of human intelligence, and the fear that AI will take over, can be overwhelming.

To thrive in an AI-driven workplace, continuous learning is key. Employees need to proactively acquire new skills, including AI literacy to effectively leverage AI tools and adapt to evolving job requirements. Some may not have the skills, personality or disposition to adapt appropriately to remain employed, hence increasing stress and anxiety.

While it is undeniable that innovation is exciting, the uncertainty surrounding AI’s long-term implications can foster anxiety, fear of the unknown, and a sense of powerlessness and helplessness.

Workplace Pressure

AI is increasingly used in workplaces for performance monitoring, recruitment, and even task allocation. While this can boost efficiency and productivity, it can also create an environment of constant scrutiny.

This in turn can lead to heightened anxiety, imposter syndrome, and a fear of making mistakes, as every action feels like it’s being measured and judged by an impartial, potentially unforgiving system.

This pressure to constantly optimize and perform can contribute to burnout and a diminished sense of autonomy.

Mental Health Concerns Related to AI

Anxiety and Stress

The pervasive use of AI in social media and online platforms can lead to increased anxiety among users, particularly among younger individuals.

Our phones, infused with AI-driven recommendations and alerts, are constantly vying for our attention. This relentless stream of notifications can create a state of hyper-vigilance and make it difficult to truly disconnect and relax.

AI-powered social media algorithms are designed to keep us engaged, often highlighting what others are doing. This can fuel the Fear of Missing Out – FOMO – leading to anxiety about not being productive enough, connected enough, or experiencing enough.

Instant gratification is a hallmark of the AI age. When a response isn’t immediate, or a task isn’t completed with lightning speed, we can become agitated and stressed, losing the capacity for patience.

Studies suggest that the constant comparison fueled by algorithms can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and stress.

Depression

As AI-driven applications focus on repetitive and frequent engagement, they may promote addictive behaviours, contributing to feelings of isolation and depression. The dependance on devices and our automatic reaching for a device, can lead to a lack of connection with others.

While convenient, this can reduce opportunities for genuine empathy, nuanced communication, and the complex give-and-take of human relationships, all of which are vital for mental well-being.

This lack of real interaction can reduce exposure to diverse perspectives, limit critical thinking, and make real-world discussions feel jarring or threatening, leading to social withdrawal.

Research indicates a correlation between excessive screen time and depressive symptoms, as individuals may become increasingly detached from real-life interactions.

Job-related Mental Health Issues

The fear of job loss due to automation and AI technologies can lead to significant psychological distress. The constant worry that one’s skills or even entire role could become obsolete and the realization of evolving job markets creates a pervasive sense of uncertainty and anxiety regarding employment security among workers.

This chronic anxiety can be deeply unsettling, impacting sleep, eating habits, focus, relationships, and overall well-being.

Cyberbullying and Online Harassment

While it holds immense promise for good, AI has also been weaponized, contributing to the alarming rise of cyberbullying and online harassment. The very tools designed to enhance our digital lives are, in the wrong hands, empowering perpetrators to inflict deeper, more widespread, and often more traumatic forms of abuse.

Deepfakes, highly realistic AI-generated or manipulated images, videos, or audio, can depict individuals saying or doing things they never did. These fakes are incredibly difficult to distinguish from reality, and can cause considerable damage to reputation and psychological trauma.

The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security reported that victims often experience severe psychological impacts, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

Impact on Youth

For today’s children and teenagers, AI isn’t a futuristic concept; it is an invisible force woven into their daily lives. While AI offers incredible educational and creative opportunities, an over-dependence on it is quietly shaping our youth, impacting their development, mental health, and even their fundamental relationship with the world.

The students of today may feel compelled to be constantly available and responsive, leading to heightened stress and anxiety. The fear of missing out or falling behind in a digitally dominated landscape can exacerbate these feelings.

Moreover, as students engage with AI systems, they may compare their performance to that of AI-generated benchmarks. This can create unrealistic standards and negatively affect self-esteem and motivation.

The Digital World and Mental Well-being

We would be wise to foster a mindful and critical approach to AI’s integration into our lives.

Here are some steps we can take:

Digital Literacy and Critical Thinking: Understand how AI algorithms work and how they might influence our perceptions and decisions. Be critical of the information you consume online.

Prioritize Human Connection: Actively seek out and nurture in-person relationships. Remember that digital interactions are a supplement, not a replacement, for genuine human connection.

Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries with technology. Schedule digital detoxes and resist the urge to constantly be “on.”

Cultivate Self-Compassion: Recognize that the online world often presents an idealized reality. Practice self-compassion and avoid comparing yourself to others’ curated online personas.

Advocate for Ethical AI Development: Support the development of AI systems that prioritize human well-being, transparency, and fairness.

AI’s impact on the mental health of the Canadian population is complex, encompassing both challenges and opportunities. While it can exacerbate certain mental health issues, particularly related to technology use and job insecurity, it also holds promise for delivering improved mental health care.

As we navigate this evolving landscape, it is crucial to promote responsible use of AI and address the inequities it may perpetuate. Overall, a balanced approach will be essential in harnessing the benefits of AI while mitigating its potential harms.