The Human Side of AI at Work: Benefits, Challenges and Psychological Responses

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape modern workplaces, understanding its psychological impact on employees has become increasingly crucial. This qualitative study explores how professionals interact with AI tools, examining both the benefits and challenges they encounter, along with their emotional and psychological responses to this technological integration. The research employed a semi-structured interview approach with 15 participants (mean age = 25.93 years) from various professional backgrounds who work closely with Artificial Intelligence and generative AI. Participants were selected based on their regular interaction with AI tools in their work environment. The interviews focused on their experiences, perceptions, and emotional responses to AI integration. Data analysis was done using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and significant themes. Five major themes emerged from the analysis: (1) User-friendly features (2) Challenging features (3) Impact on productivity (4) Emotions experienced during AI interaction (5) Techno-overload. This study contributes to our understanding of how employees adapt to AI integration, offering insights for organizations to better support their workforce during technological transitions. The findings emphasize the importance of considering both technical and psychological aspects when implementing AI solutions in professional settings.