With geopolitical unrest, a cost-of-living crisis, and constant changes in job markets, feeling overwhelmed and unbalanced has become the norm. Technology is meant to make life easier, yet we are witnessing growing concerns about its impact—on children’s mental health, our ability to focus, and our capacity for meaningful connection. With AI advancing at ever-faster speed, the fear is that its development may outpace ethical safeguards.
The Centre for Humane Technology’s film The AI Dilemma warns that “guardrails you may assume exist actually don’t,” emphasizing that business models prioritize maximum engagement over safety. The concern is that AI companies are rushing to release products to the public without adequate safety testing, and most research is driven by for-profit interests rather than academia. While AI promises enormous benefits for health and workplace efficiency, we must also consider its impact on our well-being as we shift from the technological revolution into the AI revolution.
Staying Sane Amidst Rapid Change
Despite the uncertainties, I remain optimistic. History has always had its share of doomsayers whenever disruptive changes occur. Yet, cycles of innovation ultimately lead to new opportunities and progress. A 2018 MIT study published in Science found that false or negative news spreads six times faster than positive news. With our phones constantly feeding us bad news, it’s no wonder we feel like the world is on the brink of collapse. I grew up in a religious cult where extreme fear-based thinking was amplified tenfold, so I recognize the dangers of hysteria. Many people fail to see that in many parts of the world, we are living longer, crime rates have fallen, and health outcomes have improved.
To regain perspective and shift away from fear, consider these strategies:
1. Cultivate Gratitude
Acknowledging the good in our lives strengthens neural pathways that boost happiness and resilience. It’s a simple but powerful tool for maintaining balance amidst uncertainty.
2. Give Back
We are more isolated than ever, trapped in a dopamine-driven cycle of digital gratification. Giving back—whether through structured volunteering or simple acts of kindness like greeting a neighbor or offering your seat on a train—helps break this cycle and fosters a sense of connection.
3. Set Boundaries
Operating in a state of fear-based survival mode leads to poor decision-making and eventual burnout. Boundaries are crucial for well-being. Turn off notifications, delete time-draining apps, and say no to activities that deplete your energy. This creates space for meaningful connection and joy.
4. Focus on What You Can Control
Stress and anxiety often stem from fixating on problems beyond our control. Global crises, political debates, and work pressures can drain our energy and leave us feeling powerless. While activism is important, endless doom-scrolling leads to paralysis rather than action. I often hear people say they “must” stay informed, yet this constant exposure often worsens mental health, increasing reliance on medication for anxiety and depression. The key is to shift focus to areas where we can make a real impact.
5. Prioritize Physical and Mental Health
Good health fuels productivity and resilience. Getting back to the basics—nutrition, sleep, digital boundaries, exercise, and social connection—helps us move from a mindset of scarcity to one of possibility. When grounded and free from fear, we can better contribute to our communities.
6. Maintain Perspective
Yes, AI’s rapid advancement demands ethical oversight. The rise of deepfakes and misinformation poses new challenges. However, history shows that societies adapt. People once struggled to imagine life without handwritten letters and long waits for responses. Today, video calls and remote work are the norm. AI has the potential to revolutionize healthcare, enhance efficiency, and detect early signs of illness. Keeping an open mind allows us to see both the risks and the opportunities.
7. Take a Digital Detox
While digital detoxes won’t dismantle the attention-driven business models of tech companies, they offer a valuable reset. Stepping back from constant connectivity helps us assess our relationship with technology and set intentional boundaries. Ask yourself, “What do I want more of?” and explore how technology can support that goal rather than hinder it.
8. Engage in Offline Communities
More spaces are emerging where phones are not allowed—community events, discussion groups, and supper clubs are fostering real-world connections. As we recognize the mental health cost of digital overload, people are reclaiming in-person interactions. Taking control of our own habits can help shape a better future.
9. Embrace AI with Awareness
AI is neither inherently good nor bad—it is a tool shaped by how we use it. Instead of resisting change, we can focus on advocating for ethical AI development and integrating it into our lives in ways that enhance rather than diminish well-being. AI can support mental health through early diagnostics, improve accessibility, and streamline tasks, allowing us to spend more time on what truly matters.
Finally, AI’s evolution is undoubtedly changing our world. While challenges definitely exist, so do opportunities. By setting boundaries, focusing on what we can control, and prioritizing health and real-world connection, we can navigate this transformation with resilience and clarity. The future of technostress isn’t just about AI—it’s about how we choose to engage with the world around us and our ability to evolve alongside it.
About the Author
Petra Velzeboer is a psychotherapist, leading workplace mental health expert and author of new book Digital Wellbeing: Recharge Your Focus and Reboot Your Life (Kogan Page, £12.99)
Reference:
Vosoughi, S., Roy, D., & Aral, S. (2018). The spread of true and false news online. Science, 359(6380), 1146-1151. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aap9559
