Fear of Job Loss and Career Anxiety in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Abstract

Purpose: This study is aimed to examine the influence of the artificial intelligence (AI)-related perceptions to the career anxiety. It particularly focuses on the effect of perceived job replacement from AI, AI anxiety, and job insecurity on career anxiety and analyzed the mediating variable, which is perceived employability. With the development of founding of AI and automation increases rapidly, people are more confused about the stability of the employment and long-term future employment. Design/Methodology/Approach: This has been Quantitative research design. Data collected among 213 respondents comprising of the students and professionals who are familiar about AI technologies by using the 5-point Likert scale. The sampling technique to see such a kind of study was a convenience sampling. The relationships like reliability, validity and hypothesis testing was analyzed using the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with the SmartPLS software. Findings: The results show the interaction between two psychological outcomes, namely AI anxiety and job insecurity have large positive impacts on career anxiety. Perceived AI job replacement has also been found to have a significant effect on perceived employability though not direct effect on career anxiety. Additionally, perceived employability has significant impacts into career anxiety and implies that people who are worried about maintaining employability report more career related anxiety. Originality: This research preliminary leads to the existing literature by considering multiple perceptions associated with AI in one frame to explain career anxiety. It displays the psychological implications of AI-driven workplace change and focuses on the mediating role of perceived employability, and have a practical implication on career development and workforce adaptation.