Relationship between perceived AI threat and happiness at work: The mediating role of job insecurity among Generation Z employees

The rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the workplace has transformed job structures and increased concerns regarding job stability, particularly related to the potential replacement of human labor by technology. This study aims to examine the relationship between perceived AI threat and happiness at work, with job insecurity as a mediating variable. A total of 208 Generation Z employees participated in this study using a purposive sampling technique. Perceived AI threat was measured using the AI Anxiety Scale (AIAS), job insecurity was measured using the Job Insecurity Scale, and happiness at work was measured using the Happiness at Work Scale. Mediation analysis showed that perceived AI threat was significantly associated with increased job insecurity (r = 0.537, p < 0.001) and decreased happiness at work (β = 0.047, p = 0.019). Additionally, job insecurity was significantly negatively associated with happiness at work (r = -0.214, p < 0.001) and significantly mediated the relationship between perceived AI threat and happiness at work (β= -0.041, p < 0.001). These findings indicate that perceived AI threat can reduce happiness at work through increased job insecurity. The results highlight the importance of organizational strategies to reduce job insecurity and support employee well-being in the era of technological transformation.