Recent surveys show that roughly 1 in 4 Americans identify artificial intelligence as a source of anxiety. A 2026 study published in JAMA Network Open that surveyed more than 20,000 U.S. adults found higher levels of AI use were associated with increased symptoms of depression, anxiety, and irritability. While the technology promises convenience, many people feel overwhelmed by its constant presence in work, social media, and everyday tools.
Why AI can feel unsettling
Licensed mental‑health counselors at Thriveworks explain that the rapid, largely unregulated rollout of AI amplifies familiar worries about new technology. Constantly questioning whether an image, text, or video is genuine can create a state of hyper‑vigilance, leading to fight‑or‑flight symptoms. Concerns about job security, privacy, and the environmental impact of massive data centers add layers of stress that can erode a sense of purpose.
“The world is always evolving, and that’s both a great and a scary thing at once,” says Hallie Kritsas, a licensed counselor at Thriveworks. She notes that when AI tools are embedded by default, many feel a loss of control, which can strain mental health.
Therapist‑recommended ways to manage AI anxiety
While it’s impossible to turn back the clock on AI, mental‑health professionals suggest several practical steps to reduce stress and regain agency.
1. Brain‑dump your AI‑related feelings
Jami Dumler, a licensed clinical social worker and director of clinical programs at Thriveworks, recommends journaling to capture the full range of emotions tied to AI. “It doesn’t have to be complete sentences or make sense. Just get it all out of your head and onto paper,” she says. Writing by hand can help process thoughts about privacy violations, workplace pressures, or concerns for older family members.
2. Catch and challenge catastrophic thoughts
Many people slip into worst‑case scenarios—imagining that AI will destroy jobs, flood schools with misinformation, or cause irreversible climate damage. Dumler advises spotting three common traps: absolute language (always/never), predictions presented as facts, and assuming a single outcome is inevitable. Reframing statements—e.g., changing “I’ll never find a job again” to “the future of my industry is uncertain”—helps shift focus from fear to actionable planning.
3. Separate what you can control from what you cannot
Drawing a simple diagram with circles can clarify this distinction. Items outside the circle represent factors beyond personal influence, such as corporate AI adoption or global data‑center emissions. Inside the circle are steps you can take, like:
- Choosing physical cookbooks over AI‑generated recipes.
- Supporting businesses that respect user privacy.
- Turning off data‑sharing settings where possible.
- Limiting news notifications to reduce exposure to alarmist headlines.
- Setting household limits on AI tools for children and encouraging classic reading.
These actions do not solve every larger societal issue, but they empower individuals to protect their mental well‑being.
Looking ahead
Therapists acknowledge that AI’s broader challenges—deep‑fake pornography, wrongful arrests from faulty facial‑recognition software, and voice‑cloning scams—remain serious concerns. However, focusing on personal coping strategies can mitigate the day‑to‑day stress while policymakers and industry leaders work on responsible regulation.
“It’s positioned as something that’s genuinely supposed to make our lives better, but in reality, so much of it interferes with things that bring us joy, taking away our options and adding stress,” says Maddy Brener, Psy.D., a licensed clinical psychologist at Thriveworks. By taking concrete steps to manage anxiety, individuals can preserve their sense of purpose and peace even as AI continues to evolve.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
