How ‘AI replacement dysfunction’ is putting pressure on staff

Researchers have written a new term for workers afraid of losing their jobs to AI: “AI replacement dysfunction,” Gizmodo reports.

The term “AIRD” is defined as a “new, proposed clinical construct that describes the psychological and existential difficulties that may be experienced by individuals faced with the threat or reality of job displacement due to artificial intelligence.”

A new Reuters/Ipsos poll shows that 71% of workers admit they are concerned that AI is “making too many people permanently unemployed.” Data from Pew Research shows that more than half of Americans are concerned about the impact of AI on the workplace and their jobs, with lower and middle class workers strongly believing that AI will only make things worse for employment prospects in the future.

While there Although only a few jobs have been cut as a result of the AI ​​takeover, this has not stopped the workforce from making a choice, leading to the development of AIRD. And it has been blamed for some mental health effects, with symptoms including anxiety, insomnia and depression. It also leads to identity confusion, prompting reflection on “deeper fears about relevance, purpose and future employability.”

Experts such as University of Florida Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry Joseph Thornton label Displacement of AI as ‘an invisible disaster’, often impacting mental health. “As with other disasters that impact mental health, effective responses must extend beyond the doctor’s office to include community support and collaborative partnerships that promote recovery,” Thornton said. Futurism.

There is a narrative and some research has shown that AI could eliminate some entry-level white-collar jobs, which would increase fear. Besides the fact that early-career workers are already having difficulty finding jobs due to the economic downturn, another reason could be that several companies are ditching human labor in favor of software.

And it doesn’t help that some of the leading developers, like Microsoft’s AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman, continue to support it. Suleyman once said that AI could potentially automate “most, if not all” administrative tasks within a short period of time – such as a year and a half.

But it already seems to be happening. Co-lead author of an article on the dangers of AIRD and the term’s coiner, Stephanie McNamara, said the term emerged as a result of the alarming rise in AI-induced layoffs by 2025. “It made me think about the mental health impact it will have on society,” said the University of Florida psychology student. One report from Challenger, Gray & Christmas noted more than 54,000 layoffs by 2025 due to AI.

And the layoffs will continue until 2026.

CoStar Group, a real estate analytics and marketing company headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, announced a workforce reduction and the integration of AI technologies. The move, described as a way to “accelerate revenue growth and operational efficiency,” will affect 120 rolls.

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