AI ANXIETY AND LIFE SATISFACTION AMONG OFFICE WORKERS: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF NEGATIVE AFFECT AND THE MODERATING ROLE OF PERCEIVED SOCIAL SUPPORT

Abstract

The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the workplace creates new opportunities while also posing psychological challenges for employees. This study examined the relationships among AI anxiety (AIA), life satisfaction (LS), negative affect (NA), and perceived social support (PSS) among office workers in Ho Chi Minh City. Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected from 292 participants, with 288 valid responses retained for analysis. Pearson correlations and PROCESS Macro Models 4 and 14 were used to test the hypothesized relationships. Results showed that 44.79% of participants reported above-average AIA, particularly regarding socio-technical blindness and job replacement anxiety. AIA was positively associated with NA (r = 0.213, p < 0.001), whereas NA was negatively associated with LS (r = -0.255, p < 0.001). NA partially mediated the relationship between AIA and LS (B = -0.065, 95% CI [-0.114, -0.028]). However, AIA also showed a significant positive direct association with LS (r = 0.138, p = 0.019). Furthermore, PSS significantly moderated the relationship between NA and LS (B = 0.129, p = 0.020), weakening the negative effect of NA on LS. The indirect effect of AIA on LS through NA was non-significant at high levels of PSS. Overall, the findings suggest that AIA affects LS partly through emotional processes, while PSS serves as a buffering resource that mitigates the adverse effects of negative emotions. These findings highlight the importance of emotion regulation and social support in promoting employee well-being during AI-driven workplace transformation.