A recent study conducted by the American Psychological Association reveals that employees who frequently interact with artificial intelligence (AI) systems at work may experience loneliness, leading to insomnia and increased after-work drinking. The cross-cultural research, conducted in the United States, Taiwan, Indonesia, and Malaysia, consistently demonstrates the potential negative consequences of using AI systems. The findings, which will be published in the Journal of Applied Psychology on June 12, highlight the need to address the mental and physical impacts on employees resulting from the isolation caused by AI systems.
Dr. Pok Man Tang, the lead researcher and assistant professor of management at the University of Georgia, was inspired to investigate this timely issue due to his previous experience using AI systems in an investment bank. While AI systems offer numerous benefits and contribute to a new industrial revolution, they also pose uncharted dangers. Humans are inherently social beings, and isolating work with AI systems can have detrimental effects on employees’ personal lives.
However, the study also reveals some positive aspects of working with AI systems. Employees who frequently engage with AI systems tend to offer more assistance to their colleagues, although this response may stem from their own loneliness and desire for social interaction.
Furthermore, the research indicates that individuals with higher levels of attachment anxiety, characterized by feelings of insecurity and concern about social connections, exhibit stronger reactions when working with AI systems. These reactions include both positive behaviors, such as helping others, and negative consequences, such as loneliness and insomnia.
In one experiment, engineers at a Taiwanese biomedical company who regularly interacted with AI systems were surveyed over three weeks regarding their feelings of loneliness, attachment anxiety, and sense of belonging. Coworkers evaluated the participants’ helpful behaviors, while family members reported on their insomnia and after-work alcohol consumption. The results indicated that employees who had more frequent interactions with AI systems were more likely to experience loneliness, insomnia, and increased after-work alcohol consumption. However, they also displayed helpful behaviors towards their colleagues.
Another experiment involved real estate consultants in an Indonesian property management company. Half of the participants were instructed to avoid using AI systems for three consecutive days, while the other half were encouraged to work with AI systems as much as possible. The findings were similar to the previous experiment, except there was no significant correlation between AI use frequency and after-work alcohol consumption.
Similar results were obtained from online experiments conducted with full-time working adults in the United States and employees at a Malaysian tech company.
It is important to note that these research findings are correlational and do not establish a causal relationship between working with AI systems and loneliness or other responses. However, they demonstrate a strong association between these factors.
To mitigate the potential negative effects of working with AI systems, Dr. Tang suggests that developers should consider incorporating social features into AI technology, such as a human voice, to simulate human-like interactions. Employers can also limit the frequency of AI system usage and provide opportunities for employees to socialize.
Tasks that require social connections, such as team decision-making, should be assigned to humans, while AI systems can focus on repetitive and tedious tasks, according to Dr. Tang.
In addition, implementing mindfulness programs and other positive interventions may help alleviate loneliness. Since AI technology will continue to expand, it is crucial to take action now to minimize the potentially damaging consequences for individuals working with these systems.
Reference:
Tang, P. M., Koopman, J., Mai, K. M., De Cremer, D., Zhang, J. H., Reynders, P., Ng, C. T. S., & Chen, I. H. (2023). No Person Is an Island: Unpacking the Work and After-Work Consequences of Interacting With Artificial Intelligence. Journal of Applied Psychology
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about AI systems and employee well-being.
Q: What are the potential effects of working with AI systems at work?
A: Working with AI systems can potentially lead to employee loneliness, insomnia, and increased after-work drinking, according to a cross-cultural study conducted by the American Psychological Association. The study suggests that frequent interaction with AI systems may have negative impacts on employees’ mental and physical well-being, highlighting the need to address these potential consequences.
More about AI systems and employee well-being.
- American Psychological Association (APA): Link
- Journal of Applied Psychology: Link
- “No Person Is an Island: Unpacking the Work and After-Work Consequences of Interacting With Artificial Intelligence” (Research Paper): [Link](insert DOI or relevant link)
