Purpose

The advent of extreme automation from new technologies such as artificial intelligence portends a massive increase in unemployment. The psychological impact of this threat on the workforce is critically important. This paper aims to examine the functioning of individuals' anxiety buffers in response to this threat.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-stage mixed-methods design is used. In stage 1, qualitative data are gathered through semi-structured interviews. In stage 2, quantitative data are collected through two experiments to assess the psychological impact of exposure to the threat.

Findings

Exposure to the threat of extreme automation reduces self-esteem, faith in the worldview and attachment security. When self-esteem and attachment security are under attack, they are ineffective as anxiety buffers, and anxiety levels increase. Additionally, there is a distal effect such that during a period of distraction, the threatened anxiety buffers are reinforced and return to their normal levels.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to a homogenous culture in which work is highly salient. Future research should include other cultures, other methods of exposure and further examine the distal effects.

Originality/value

The study examines the previously underexplored issue of individuals' psychological response to the impending changes in the workforce because of technological advancements.

中文翻译：

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焦虑缓冲和极端自动化的威胁：恐怖管理理论视角

目的

人工智能等新技术带来的极端自动化的出现预示着失业率将大幅增加。这种威胁对劳动力的心理影响至关重要。本文旨在研究个体焦虑缓冲器在应对这种威胁时的功能。

设计/方法/方法

使用两阶段混合方法设计。在第一阶段，通过半结构化访谈收集定性数据。在第 2 阶段，通过两个实验收集定量数据，以评估暴露于威胁的心理影响。

发现

Exposure to the threat of extreme automation reduces self-esteem, faith in the worldview and attachment security. When self-esteem and attachment security are under attack, they are ineffective as anxiety buffers, and anxiety levels increase. Additionally, there is a distal effect such that during a period of distraction, the threatened anxiety buffers are reinforced and return to their normal levels.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to a homogenous culture in which work is highly salient. Future research should include other cultures, other methods of exposure and further examine the distal effects.

Originality/value

The study examines the previously underexplored issue of individuals' psychological response to the impending changes in the workforce because of technological advancements.