It’s Psychologically Devastating for Workers to Constantly Be Told They’re Being Replaced by AI, Paper Finds

February 18, 2026 - 14:50

A new academic paper has sounded the alarm on a growing workplace mental health crisis, identifying the profound psychological damage inflicted on employees who are constantly told their roles may be replaced by artificial intelligence. Researchers argue this pervasive anxiety warrants recognition as a distinct modern dysfunction.

The study highlights that the threat is not merely about future unemployment, but the daily psychological erosion caused by working alongside the very technology touted as one's replacement. This environment fosters a state of chronic stress, eroding professional identity, diminishing morale, and creating a palpable sense of expendability among staff.

This constant "shadow of replacement" leads to more than just job insecurity. Workers report symptoms including severe anxiety, burnout, a loss of motivation, and feelings of professional obsolescence. The paper emphasizes that these effects occur even when full-scale AI replacement is not imminent, underscoring the power of perceived threat.

Experts contributing to the research call for urgent action from organizational leaders. They recommend transparent communication about AI's role as a tool for augmentation rather than mere replacement, alongside proactive investment in reskilling programs. Creating a culture that values human skills and clearly outlines pathways for human-AI collaboration is presented as critical to mitigating this debilitating anxiety and protecting workforce well-being in the digital age.