A Correlational Study on Attitudes Towards Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Anxiety in Employees Working in IT Industry

Abstract

In an era marked by rapid technological advancement, Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands as a transformative force behind every digital interaction (Sindermann, Sha, Zhou, 2021). Despite its prominence, the psychological effects on those who develop these technologies remain underexplored. As AI technologies proliferate across industries, concerns about job security and potential obsolescence of human roles have intensified, contributing to increased anxiety among IT employees in India (Malik, Tripathi, Kar, & Gupta, 2021). The current study addresses this gap by examining the interplay between attitudes toward AI and anxiety levels among IT professionals in India—a sector renowned for its AI innovation yet grappling with rising employee anxiety. The current research utilizes a mixed approach. The quantitative data is obtained from 110 employees from various IT sectors from Indian metro cities. The age range of the employees is from 25 to 35 years. The data is analysed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient via SPSS software. The findings reveal that a negative attitude toward AI leads to higher anxiety among the employees.  The results confirm the hypothesis, revealing that employees with negative attitudes toward AI are more prone to experience anxiety (p<0.05). To gain more insights, intensive interviews are procured from 10 IT employees. Semi structured interview method is used to elicit the responses. Thematic analysis is conducted to extract dominant themes. These findings underscore the urgent need for Indian IT organizations to address the psychological impact of AI on their workforce. It is imperative for employers to implement supportive measures and create a healthier work environment, including providing up-skilling opportunities and training programs to facilitate better adaptation to technological changes. Such steps are crucial for mitigating anxiety and fostering a resilient workforce in the evolving landscape of AI.