Researchers Warn of 'AI Replacement Dysfunction' Plaguing Workers

The constant fear of losing jobs to AI automation can lead to anxiety, insomnia, and identity loss, a new study finds.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Two researchers from the University of Florida are warning of the devastating psychological impacts that AI automation, or the threat of it, can have on the workforce. They argue this phenomenon warrants a new term: 'AI replacement dysfunction' (AIRD). The study found that the stress arising from fears of being replaced by AI can drive symptoms ranging from anxiety, insomnia, paranoia, and loss of identity, even in the absence of other psychiatric disorders or factors like substance abuse.

Why it matters

As AI continues to advance and automate more jobs, the mental health toll on workers could be severe. The researchers say AIRD is an 'invisible disaster' that requires responses beyond just clinical treatment, including community support and collaborative partnerships to help workers cope with the existential threat of professional obsolescence.

The details

The researchers cite studies showing a positive correlation between AI implementation in the workplace and increased anxiety and depression. They also note that professionals in fields susceptible to AI automation commonly experience stress and negative emotions. The authors propose a method for screening for AIRD through open-ended questions to eliminate other causes. They argue it's important to recognize these symptoms as uniquely stemming from AI-related anxieties, as more clinicians will encounter patients whose distress doesn't arise from primary psychiatric disorders.

  • The study was published on February 17, 2026.

The players

Joseph Thornton

A clinical associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Florida and co-lead author of the study.

Stephanie McNamara

A psychology student at the University of Florida and co-lead author of the study who coined the term 'AI replacement dysfunction'.

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What they’re saying

“AI displacement is an invisible disaster. As with other disasters that affect mental health, effective responses must extend beyond the clinician's office to include community support and collaborative partnerships that foster recovery.”

— Joseph Thornton, Clinical associate professor of psychiatry

“It made me think about the mental health impacts it is going to have on society.”

— Stephanie McNamara, Psychology student

What’s next

The researchers propose that equipping mental health professionals with the knowledge and tools to recognize and treat people with AIRD will be vital as the condition increasingly affects the workplace.

The takeaway

As AI automation continues to advance, the mental health toll on workers who fear losing their jobs could be severe. Clinicians and communities will need to work together to support those suffering from the existential threat of professional obsolescence.