The Cascading Effects of AI-driven Societal Changes on University Students’ Anxiety and Future Preparation Pressure

This study analyzes the cascading effects of AI-driven societal changes on university students’ anxiety and future preparation pressure, while examining the moderating roles of career-related stress and self-esteem. A survey was conducted from October to November 2024 with 251 university students enrolled at a university in Sejong City. The results revealed that students who strongly perceived societal changes brought about by AI technology experience higher levels of anxiety, which subsequently lead to increased pressure to prepare for the future. Furthermore, career-related stress was found to strengthen the relationship between societal changes and anxiety, while self-esteem acted as a buffer by weakening the relationship between anxiety and future preparation pressure. This study holds academic significance as it systematically examines the impact of AI-driven societal changes on students’ psychological responses and behavioral attitudes. By focusing on university students ― a group particularly sensitive to societal and technological changes ― this research provides foundational insights into the psychological challenges and coping mechanisms in the AI era. The findings suggest the necessity of developing programs to alleviate career-related stress and enhance self-esteem, thereby helping students effectively adapt to technological changes. These results offer valuable guidance for designing policies and educational strategies to support the psychological well-being and behavioral adaptation of young people in the AI era.