– A new study suggests that employees who work closely with artificial intelligence (AI) are more likely to experience loneliness, binge drinking, and insomnia compared to those who work with humans.– The release of ChatGPT, an AI chatbot that can mimic human conversations, has led to the incorporation of AI technology in various industries.– A Goldman Sachs study predicts that generative AI could replace and affect 300 million jobs worldwide, while another study estimates that ChatGPT alone could replace 4.8 million American jobs.– The University of Georgia conducted a study on the effects of AI on human employees, finding that those who work closely with AI experience higher levels of loneliness, binge drinking, and insomnia.– The researchers conducted experiments in the U.S., Taiwan, Indonesia, and Malaysia, all showing similar results of negative impacts on employees who frequently work with AI.
As per a new study, people who work closely alongside artificial intelligence (AI) are more likely to experience loneliness, binge drinking, and insomnia compared to colleagues who work alongside humans. The study, conducted by University of Georgia assistant professor of management, Pok Man Tang, aimed to investigate the effects of AI on human employees.
The release of ChatGPT, an AI chatbot that can mimic human conversations, last year opened the floodgates to widespread use of AI. Many industries began incorporating this technology into their day-to-day tasks, while people across the globe rushed to interact with the chatbot.
However, the study revealed some concerning trends. A Goldman Sachs study in March warned that generative AI could potentially replace and affect 300 million jobs worldwide. Additionally, a study by Challenger, Gray & Christmas found that AI chatbot ChatGPT alone could replace at least 4.8 million American jobs.
Tang’s research was prompted by his experience working at an investment bank that heavily relies on AI. The study found that employees who closely work alongside AI reported feeling lonelier than their colleagues who did not use AI. They were also more prone to binge drinking and insomnia.
“The rapid advancement in AI systems is sparking a new industrial revolution that is reshaping the workplace with many benefits but also some uncharted dangers, including potentially damaging mental and physical impacts for employees,” Tang explained. The research was published by the American Psychological Association.
Tang further added, “Humans are social animals, and isolating work with AI systems may have damaging spillover effects into employees’ personal lives.” This raises concerns about the potential negative effects of AI on employees’ well-being.
To conduct the study, the researchers carried out four different experiments in the United States, Taiwan, Indonesia, and Malaysia. All the experiments consistently found that employees who frequently worked with AI were more likely to engage in binge drinking after work, experience sleepless nights, and feel heightened loneliness.
For instance, in Taiwan, the research team surveyed 166 engineers at a biomedical company who regularly worked with AI over a period of three weeks. The engineers were asked about their feelings of loneliness, attachment anxiety, and sense of belonging. The research team also surveyed the family members of the participants to gather their perspective on their loved ones’ well-being.
This study sheds light on the potential negative consequences of increased AI usage in the workplace. While AI offers numerous benefits and streamlines tasks, it is crucial to consider the impact on employees’ mental and physical health. Employers should prioritize creating a supportive work environment to mitigate these potential risks associated with AI integration.
In the final analysis, working closely alongside AI can have detrimental effects on employees’ well-being, leading to loneliness, binge drinking, and insomnia. As AI continues to advance and reshape the workplace, it is crucial for employers to consider the potential negative impacts and take measures to support their employees’ mental and physical health.
Photo Credit: pewresearch.org
