Fear of missing out on AI is linked to anxiety and depression

As artificial intelligence integrates into everyday life, a new form of anxiety is emerging, according to a recent study published in Telematics and Informatics Reports. Researchers call this phenomenon the "fear of missing out on artificial intelligence," which is linked to higher levels of depression and anxiety among individuals.

To better understand this phenomenon, a psychology researcher at Oklahoma State University, Chi-Lin Yu, led an investigation into this issue. They developed an English version of a questionnaire that measures this specific fear and investigated its prevalence in the United States. The study surveyed 557 adults using an online platform, selecting participants to represent national census statistics for age, gender, and race.

Participants rated their agreement with statements related to their fear of falling behind in artificial intelligence, concerns about lacking access, and anxiety about missing out on economic benefits. The research found that while most people are not currently experiencing high levels of this generalized fear, a significant portion—over one in nine participants—scored high on the overall scale.

Younger adults and women were more likely to report these fears, although factors like income and educational background did not alter the results, indicating that the anxiety spans various socioeconomic classes. The study also measured participants' practical knowledge and attitudes toward artificial intelligence. Participants who scored higher on a practical knowledge test reported lower levels of anxiety about falling behind, suggesting that building competence with the tools serves as a protective buffer against the fear of missing out.

General attitudes about the technology's benefits and risks did not predict a person's fear of missing out. The findings indicate that enhancing basic proficiency with artificial intelligence tools can help mitigate the psychological burden associated with this emerging anxiety. Implementing introductory training programs in workplaces and schools could help ease the psychological burden by building confidence in using these technologies.

The study also revealed a direct link between this technological anxiety and broader mental health struggles, with higher scores on the technological anxiety scale predicting greater symptoms of anxiety and depression. This psychological weight associated with the fear of missing out on artificial intelligence can lead to poorer mental health outcomes.

While the research provides strong patterns, it relies on data collected at a single point in time, limiting its ability to establish causation.