Both Sides of the A.I. Coin: Considerations on Human Impacts at Work

As a leader or part of a team, two months into the year is a great time to get a pulse check on how it feels to use AI.  Do you and your team feel more productive? Are you less connected to or proud of your work? Or, is it more of an overwhelming feeling in terms of not knowing where to start or how to capitalize on efficiency?

The impact of AI on mental health in the workplace, including depression, is a complex and evolving topic. While AI technologies have the potential to provide support and resources for mental health, they also can raise concerns and challenges that may contribute to or exacerbate feelings such as depression in some individuals. Here are some considerations:

• Social Isolation: Increased reliance on AI-driven technologies for communication and interaction, such as social media platforms and virtual assistants, can sometimes lead to social isolation and feelings of loneliness, which are risk factors for depression.
• Job Displacement and Economic Uncertainty: The automation of jobs and tasks by AI technologies may lead to job displacement and economic uncertainty for individuals, which can contribute to stress, anxiety, and depression, especially for those who struggle to adapt to changing employment landscapes.
• Ethical Considerations and Human Values: The development and deployment of AI technologies raise ethical considerations related to consent, transparency, accountability, and the impact on human values and rights, which can generate existential questions and moral distress for individuals, potentially affecting mental well-being.

Particularly in a high-volume, fast-paced setting, it may not be immediately clear to all involved how addressing emotions around AI is an incredibly necessary action to take. Taking a “mood check” on how people are feeling is generally a good idea anytime, so targeting your next check in on these important considerations around AI and what your team may be facing is a good way to pay attention to these important emotions at work.  

Tools of the future are really what you make them. They depend on your leadership to take shape. To mix AI into the human experience rather than replace the human experience with it is the SUPER*MEGA*BOSS way!