Anxiety in the face of Artificial Intelligence. Between pragmatic fears and uncanny terrors / Ansiedad ante la Inteligencia Artificial. Entre temores pragmáticos y terrores ominosos

Abstract

The increasingly accelerated arrival of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into several domains of our daily lives has turned negative reactions to it into a potential problem. Developers, scientists and researchers have discussed whether AI anxiety is justified. But beyond its justification, the averse affective reaction to AI does exist and is alive and well in a significant portion of the population. Psychological research, therefore, must address this phenomenon as it manifests itself. In this theoretical article we conceptually analyse early empirical approaches to quantifying AI anxiety. Similarly, we draw a connection to the literature on AI in science fiction and the research developed by social and cognitive psychologists. Finally, we provide a broader and more adequate conceptual articulation of the complex phenomenon of AI anxiety.