Navigating AI's impact on mental health

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to weave itself into the fabric of our daily lives, it presents both opportunities and challenges, particularly in the realm of mental health. While AI has the potential to revolutionise mental health support systems, its implications on societal and individual well-being warrant careful examination. 

This article explores the potential negative impacts of AI on mental health. Concurrently, it highlights AI's promising role in enhancing support mechanisms and developing resilient mental health infrastructures. By intricately balancing these dual aspects, we aim to foster a nuanced understanding that encourages strategic planning and policy formation.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping contemporary landscapes with profound implications for the mental health of the masses. Economic uncertainty and job stress emerge as significant contributors to mental health challenges. AI-induced job displacement affects 37% of companies, with expectations of further layoffs by 2030. This looming threat engenders persistent stress and insecurity among workers. 

Notably, up to two-thirds of occupations could face automation risk, impacting around 1.2 billion workers globally. Economic destabilisation impacts mental well-being and heightens stress levels.

AI also transforms interpersonal dynamics, often eroding authentic social connections. Instead of promoting genuine human interactions, AI tools facilitate superficial engagements, which may contribute to feelings of social isolation. This, compounded by AI-driven dissemination of potentially harmful content, can incite aggression and violence.

Additionally, information overload arises from AI's capacity to flood users with data, some of which may lack legitimacy. This barrage contributes to mental fatigue, increasing stress and anxiety. The economic adversities linked to AI adoption exacerbate these issues, with wage suppression trends, dating back to 1980, affecting both blue-collar and white-collar workers.

On the contrary, shedding positive light on the use of AI, there are already mental health counselling chatbots, such as Woebot and Gabby, that help reduce depression and automate some parts of clinical treatment. However, there were concerns that chatbots can show human-like emotions while providing counseling services, which can lead to an increase in user satisfaction and potential reuse of chatbot counselling services. 

A study conducted on 348 American adults revealed that chatbot emotional disclosure significantly increased user satisfaction and reuse intention for a chatbot counselling service. The results indicate the positive effects of artificial emotions and their disclosure in the context of chatbot-moderated mental health counseling. 

Another study conducted on manufacturing workers in China revealed that if AI can improve the working environment of workers, it can indirectly enhance the mental health of the workforce. AI can be utilised to improve work safety, provide workforce training, enhance quality control, and monitor the health of workers.

Addressing the mental health challenges posed by the advent of AI necessitates a multifaceted approach centered around supportive environments and strategic policy interventions. Organisations can start by cultivating a workplace culture that underscores the importance of mental resilience and adaptability. 

Providing stress management workshops and maintaining open communication channels for concerns related to AI can significantly reduce anxiety and foster a supportive atmosphere.

Proactively involving employees in AI-related decision-making can help ensure the technology complements their skills and mitigates fears of job loss. This initiative can be reinforced through targeted training programs to increase AI literacy and self-efficacy, offering technical know-how and bolstering confidence in managing AI-driven changes.

Emphasising human-AI collaboration instead of replacement is crucial to alleviating cognitive overload. Designing AI systems to complement human abilities rather than supplant them encourages a synergistic working relationship, reducing stress and potential burnout.

Furthermore, continuous assessment of AI's impact on employee well-being can guide timely and effective strategic adjustments. This approach should involve constant dialogue between stakeholders to ensure that AI integration is inclusive and supportive of all employees.

Any technological shift can bring about a difficult phase of transition. An adaptive approach from both organisations and individuals can help mitigate the negative consequences brought about by new technologies. The introduction of computers into the workplace was a significant technological shift, and in a similar vein, AI should be embraced not as a competitor but as an enhancer of living standards.

Finally, instead of viewing AI as a competitor, we should embrace it. However, to ensure security and prevent AI abuse, there should be proper development of ethical standards and regulations.

Noshin Anjum Chaiti is a Lecturer at Brac Business School, Brac University

Md Zobayer Hasan is a Senior Solution Architect at TigerIT BD LTD

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.