7 Common Signs You Might Be Struggling With AI Anxiety
AI is becoming part of everyday life so quickly that most people haven’t had the chance to process how they feel about it. For some, new AI tools are exciting; for others, they bring a constant hum of unease. This feeling—known as AI Anxiety—can creep in slowly, showing up in ways you might not immediately connect to technology.
Here are seven signs that you might be dealing with AI Anxiety, along with examples of how they could appear in daily life.
1. Persistent Worry About AI Developments
If you find yourself thinking about AI long after you’ve read a news article or seen a social media post, it might be more than casual curiosity. You may replay “what if” scenarios in your head—what if AI replaces my job, or what if it changes the way people connect? Over time, these thoughts can snowball, taking up mental space you’d rather use for other things.
2. Trouble Sleeping After AI-Related News
For some, bedtime is when the mind starts racing. Reading about AI before bed—or even just thinking about it—can lead to difficulty falling asleep or waking up in the middle of the night feeling unsettled. Sleep disruption is a common side effect of ongoing anxiety, and with AI news moving fast, it can feel like there’s always something new to worry about.
3. Feeling Overwhelmed by Tech at Work
If your workplace has recently introduced AI tools, you might feel pressure to adapt quickly, even if you’re not comfortable with them yet. AI Anxiety can make learning new systems feel daunting, especially if you’re already stretched thin with deadlines and responsibilities.
4. Avoidance of AI Tools
Sometimes AI Anxiety shows up not as overthinking, but as avoidance. You might steer clear of using certain apps or tools, even if they could save you time, because they trigger discomfort or mistrust. While it’s healthy to set boundaries with tech, avoidance can keep you from developing confidence with it.
5. Physical Stress Responses
Anxiety doesn’t just live in the mind—it often shows up in the body. If you feel muscle tension, headaches, tightness in your chest, or stomach discomfort when AI comes up in conversation, your body may be signaling that it’s associating AI with stress.
6. Loss of Focus
When your brain is in a constant “what does this mean for the future?” loop, it’s hard to stay present with day-to-day tasks. AI Anxiety can lead to a scattered mind, making it harder to focus on work, conversations, or even leisure activities.
7. Mistrust of Technology in General
AI Anxiety can spill over into a broader mistrust of all technology. You might start second-guessing the security of your smartphone, your online banking, or even everyday devices like voice assistants.
Recognizing these signs early is key. Awareness allows you to address AI Anxiety before it grows into a larger mental health challenge. Start by tracking when these feelings or symptoms arise, and look for patterns—do they happen after certain conversations, news stories, or workplace changes? The sooner you can spot them, the sooner you can take steps to manage them.
Do any of these signs sound familiar?
If AI Anxiety has been showing up in your life, therapy can help you sort through the fear and find balance. Contact me today to set up a free 15-minute consultation and see how we can work together.