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James Downs, a mental health advocate from Cardiff who has personally faced anorexia, depression, and anxiety, has recently found his own worries intensifying in response to news about rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). He described feeling almost powerless, questioning what an individual can truly do in the face of such large-scale technological developments. This growing unease has led him to repeatedly check his phone, only to have his anxiety worsen as he encounters increasingly alarming headlines.
The concerns about AI’s potential risks have been fueled by statements from prominent figures in the field. Earlier this month, a leading safety researcher at Anthropic expressed his belief that there is more than a 10% possibility AI could lead to human extinction within the next ten years. Geoffrey Hinton, a Nobel Prize-winning computer scientist often called the “Godfather of AI,” agreed that the possibility is “not unreasonable.” In contrast, the CEO of OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, encouraged the public to trust AI developers more to ensure the safe evolution of the technology.
Downs explained that his anxiety is compounded by other global crises, such as climate change, economic struggles, international conflicts, and the threat of nuclear war. He noted that these overlapping worries provoke a persistent background anxiety about the future, touching on everything from broad existential fears to daily practical concerns. At times, this cumulative stress leads him to feel defeated, expressing a desire to abandon efforts to create positive change or to escape modern life entirely, though he acknowledges such escape is not feasible.
This sense of apprehension about AI is not unique to Downs. Psychotherapist Lucy Theo, from the Vale of Glamorgan, has observed an increase in discussions about AI among her clients. She indicated that the rapid progress of AI has amplified feelings of instability and fear, particularly as people grapple with their future identity and mortality. On Barry Island, reactions vary from skepticism to concern. Luke Brown, a tech professional, approaches AI news with suspicion, believing that company leaders may tailor statements to serve their own interests. His wife Chelsea shares significant anxiety about the implications for their young children and hopes for swifter regulatory measures than those seen with social media. Meanwhile, grandmother Susan Harvey describes the reports as “quite scary,” yet she holds some hope as more people begin to resist these developments.
Mental health experts emphasize ways to manage anxiety related to such overwhelming news. Neil Ingham, executive director of Samaritans Cymru, advises curating news consumption carefully by selecting trusted sources and managing alert settings. He also recommends being mindful about the timing of news exposure, suggesting avoiding distressing content at the start or end of the day to maintain calm. Ingham encourages reducing information overload and stresses the importance of discussing worries with trusted individuals to gain perspective and support. The Royal College of Psychiatrists acknowledges that rapid AI development can trigger understandable unease and advises seeking professional help if anxiety becomes disruptive
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