The rise of the machines and how they impact workers' psychological health: An empirical study

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) will fundamentally change the global labor market in the near future. While many papers have been published on related topics—such as algorithm development, human–robot communication, laws, and legislation surrounding AI—the psychological impacts of its implementation in workplaces are still largely unknown. Furthermore, existing theoretical models of AI effects do not incorporate psychological outcomes, which translates into a major gap in the scientific literature. Therefore, this study's purpose was to empirically verify a newly developed theoretical model that integrates one individual determinant (e.g., general mental ability [GMA]) and the psychological outcomes of AI in the workplace (e.g., the effects of AI perceived usefulness on the basic psychological needs and psychological health). To that end, five hundred forty-six employees (46.7% women and 53.3% men) working at least 20 hr per week in various Canadian organizations answered several online questionnaires. Collected data were analyzed using path analysis. First, the results of this study showed that the GMA-level influences AI perceived usefulness-level, which in turn determines its positive or negative perception. This perception differentially impacts employees' satisfaction or thwarting of basic psychological needs and also indirectly their psychological health. By combining three different theoretical approaches, this study contributes to connecting interdisciplinary knowledge of AI impacts on workers' psychological health and to reducing gaps between related research fields.