As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes the workplace, employees are feeling a mix of excitement, uncertainty, and unease. Some worry about losing skills or jobs. Others are turning to AI for comfort or even hiding their reliance on it. Passive resisters are even pretending to use AI tools at work. Together, these behaviors reflect a growing phenomenon: AI anxiety.
Anxiety #1: AI Atrophy – 1 in 5 Report Skill Loss Due to Over-Reliance on AI
One of the most significant anxieties around AI use in the workplace is skill loss. Nearly 1 in 4 workers fear losing critical abilities to AI, and 21% already struggle with tasks they once handled easily without it.
- 28% say AI makes them smarter, while 21% feel it’s making them less capable.
- 1 in 10 rely entirely on AI for their jobs — even though 37% judge colleagues who do the same.
- 41% use AI not just at work but in daily life, showing its growing pull.
Only 1 in 3 can spot an AI image
Although 64% of workers think they can identify AI-generated images, just 33% succeeded when tested. This erosion of media literacy raises red flags for news credibility and digital trust.
Anxiety #2: AI ambivalence – a bubble ready to burst?
Skepticism about AI’s staying power runs deep:
- 37% think AI is an economic bubble that could spark a recession.
- 19% doubt their employer’s AI strategy is sustainable.
- 19% worry about losing jobs to AI redundancy.
Still, many are acting to stay competitive and protect their careers: 32% are upskilling, and 17% plan to pursue higher degrees.
While 41% say they’re not worried about job loss in the next year, many still report performance anxiety. 22% cite poor-quality work as their top concern when using AI..
Anxiety #3: Antisocial AI: Turning to tech over teammates
In addition to the professional and skill-based concerns, AI is changing workplace relationships:
- 19% conceal AI use from colleagues.
- Nearly 1 in 10 give their AI tool a human name.
- 18% interact with AI more than coworkers, and 20% prefer it.
- 24% use AI for stress management.
Remote workers feel this most: 29% interact with AI more than coworkers, and 25% prefer AI conversations. 1 in 6 employees report pursuing friendships — or even romantic feelings — with AI.
Anxiety #4: Gen Z embraces AI, despite risks
Gen Z workers, raised with AI, face unique challenges:
- 28% believe AI makes them “more stupid.”
- 14% rely fully on AI for their jobs.
- 8% have taken a second full-time job due to AI displacement.
- 29% plan to pursue a higher degree to protect their careers.
Nearly half (49%) say they’re becoming more reliant on AI in all aspects of life. And socially, 36% use AI for anxiety management, while 17% have formed friendships with it.
How employers can respond
AI is here to stay. But without balance, its risks — from skill atrophy to social isolation — could undercut its benefits. Employers can help by training staff on AI’s strengths and limits, encouraging upskilling, and fostering human connection alongside tech adoption.
AI isn’t something to fear, but it isn’t a replacement for human intelligence or relationships either. It’s a tool, and like any tool, it works best with careful, informed use.
Methodology & fair use
In August 2025, we surveyed 1,007 full-time workers who use AI in some capacity. Ages ranged from 19 to 77 with an average age of 41. 50% were men, 49% women, and 1% were either nonbinary or chose not to disclose. In terms of work style, 25% were fully remote, 36% in person, and 39% hybrid.
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Fair use
When using this data and research, please attribute by linking to this study and citing Howdy.com.