Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming industries around the world, and India is no exception. AI's ability to automate tasks, learn, and make decisions has greatly affected the markets in India and this has led to a fear of job displacement.  

People are scared that AI might be better than them, which makes them worry about losing their jobs. If you’re worried about the impact of AI on your job as well, here are some techniques you can use to mentally cope with this fear.  

Overcoming Fear with CBT

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that can help you overcome your fears, including those related to job security. It works by helping you identify negative thought patterns and replace them with more flexible and realistic ones. 

Consider the example of Riya, who was working in the banking sector. With over 7 years of experience, Riya had built a successful career but was increasingly anxious about the impact of AI on their job and was worried that AI would make their role useless.  

How did CBT help them? They followed this process to develop a balanced and flexible way of thinking that let them consider multiple possibilities and let go of their fear of AI.  

Step 1: Identifying Negative Thoughts

The first step was to identify Riya's negative thought patterns. They believed that "AI will take my job" and "I will become irrelevant". 

Step 2: Challenging Negative Thoughts

Next, Riya worked on challenging these thoughts. They were introduced to various reports highlighting how AI was creating new job opportunities and the demand for human-AI collaboration. Riya understood how AI could automate mundane tasks, leaving more room for strategic and creative work. 

Step 3: Cognitive Restructuring

This technique involves identifying and challenging irrational thoughts. Riya was encouraged to replace their negative thoughts with more uplifting ones. Like "AI will take away all jobs" could be replaced with "AI will change the job landscape, creating new opportunities” and "I can adapt and learn new skills to stay relevant." 

Step 4: Mindfulness

Mindfulness helps you stay present and reduces anxiety about the future. Riya practiced mindfulness by focusing on their current tasks instead of worrying about AI.  

Step 5: Desensitization

This involves gradually and repeatedly exposing yourself to the thing you fear to reduce its effect on you, in this case, AI. To face their fears, Riya started reading about AI advancements in the banking sector and began using AI-based tools at work. 

Step 5: Skills Training

This is about learning new skills that are in demand in the AI-driven job market. Riya enrolled in an online course to learn about data analysis, a skill highly sought after in the AI-driven job market. 

Outcome

Over several weeks, Riya noticed a significant reduction in their anxiety levels. They started seeing AI as an opportunity to grow and diversify their skills, rather than a threat to his job.  

While it's natural to fear the unknown, instead of worrying about job displacement, focus on how you can upskill and adapt to the changing job landscape. Remember, AI is here to assist us, not replace us. So, let's embrace it and learn to coexist!