Do You Have a Case of FOBO?

Jennifer’s book Why Are We Here was excerpted in Katie Couric’s Wake Up Call at Work.

The excerpt explores the growing phenomenon of FOBO, or "fear of becoming obsolete," especially in the workplace due to the rise of AI. This anxiety is fueling disengagement and fear among employees who worry that their roles may soon be replaced by machines. Predictions, such as the one from Goldman Sachs estimating that AI could impact 300 million jobs, exacerbate these concerns, particularly for college-educated workers. This fear, identified as a form of “What’s the pointism,” is leading to a sense of helplessness and a diminished sense of purpose at work.

Jennifer also highlights the negative effects of FOBO on mental health, with studies showing that employees experiencing AI-related anxiety report poorer mental well-being compared to those without such fears. The anxiety can also lead to resistance to adopting AI, as workers feel their jobs are at risk, thus creating a climate of distrust towards technological advancements.

However, Jennifer emphasizes that these predictions about AI replacing jobs are speculative, citing examples from history where new technologies were feared but did not result in widespread obsolescence. For instance, technologies like the Segway, automobiles, and email were once seen as replacements, but they didn’t eliminate existing jobs.

The key takeaway is that the fear of obsolescence is more about perception than reality. Companies need to help employees understand the current and future integration of AI, showing them how they already use it in daily life. By acknowledging the emotional impact of technological change and involving workers in decision-making processes, businesses can mitigate the anxiety surrounding AI and ensure smoother transitions.