Flourish Health & Wellbeing eMag - Latest Edition - Flipbook - Page 17
Arti昀椀cial
intelligence has
moved very
quickly from
futuristic concept
to everyday
companion. It
can write emails,
summarise
documents, create
images, answer
health questions,
help with study,
generate business
ideas and even
offer emotional
support. For
many people, AI
feels exciting,
useful and full of
possibility. For
others, it feels
overwhelming,
unsettling or even
a little frightening.
AI Anxiety
AI anxiety is not a formal
diagnosis, but it is a useful
way to describe the worry,
uncertainty and stress
some people feel about
how quickly arti昀椀cial
intelligence is evolving
and resulting in changes
in our work, relationships,
education, creativity and
daily life. For some, it is
the very real fear of being
replaced at work. For
others, it is concern about
privacy, misinformation,
becoming too reliant on
technology and concern
that future generations will
lose the ability for critical
thinking and organic
creativity born and grown
by the human mind.
Like many major changes
impacting the way we
live and experience the
world, AI is not “good” or
“bad” though elements
of both can be true at
the same time. It can be
both helpful and harmful.
There is real potential
for AI to impact mental
health, either positively
or negatively. The focus
needs to be on how we
can use it in ways that
support wellbeing rather
than undermine it.
Why AI Can Feel So
Overwhelming
One of the biggest
reasons AI can feel
stressful is the speed of
change. We are living
in a time where the rate
of technology change
has never been greater
between generations.
While Gen Z came of
age during the rise of the
smartphone with rapid
software change being
built into their everyday
environment from early
on, older generations such
as Baby Boomers, had
to transition from presmartphone technology
later in life after habits
were already set around
non-digital routines.
While many people are still
learning what AI can do,
many workplaces, schools
and businesses are already
adopting it. This can
create a sense of pressure
to keep up, even when
people have not been
properly educated, trained
or supported in its use.
For young people, AI is
becoming part of study,
social connection and selfexpression. A 2026 New
South Wales youth poll
found that some young
people are already using
AI as a mental health
support strategy and for
conversation or personal
advice [1]. This highlights
both the opportunity
and the concern. AI may
feel accessible and nonjudgemental, but it is not
the same as a trained
health professional, trusted
adult or meaningful
human connection.
