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Creative Displacement Anxiety in an AI‑Dominated Era

Creative Displacement Anxiety in an AI‑Dominated Era

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College of Languages and Translation

Based on one of her recent research projects, Ms. Shanjida Halim presented a webinar titled “Creative Displacement Anxiety in an AI‑Dominated Era” on April 16, 2025. The event was organized by the Scientific Research, Innovation and Graduate Studies Unit of the College of Languages and Translation at King Khalid University.

Her presentation began with an overview of her experience reading scholarly articles on the impact of artificial intelligence on daily life, noting that these works were filled with intriguing findings. She then explored several key themes: the dilemmas associated with AI assistance; the trustworthiness of AI and its defining characteristics; a new form of anxiety known as Creative Displacement Anxiety (CDA) and how it differs from other forms of technology‑related stress; and the causes of CDA, among other issues.

While highlighting the impact of AI‑driven technologies, Ms. Halim observed that such anxiety is not new. Whenever a new technology emerges, people often become skeptical and focus on potential drawbacks or dangers rather than its merits; over time, however, they adapt. She explained that some view technological advances simply as tools that enhance human creativity, whereas others fear that generative AI may supplant innate creative processes.

The presenter noted that AI now permeates nearly every aspect of life. In classrooms, laboratories, and courses, for instance, its presence is ubiquitous. Nevertheless, over‑reliance on generative AI across creative domains could trigger anxiety and depression among both creative professionals and the wider public.

Ms. Halim also addressed AI’s ambiguous trustworthiness. Citing Mentzas et al. (2024), she argued that the concept of trustworthiness depends on interpretation and lacks a single definitive definition. According to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), trustworthy AI is “the ability to meet stakeholders’ expectations in a verifiable way,” she added.

In conclusion, Ms. Halim referenced Caporusso (2023), who acknowledges that technology brings both advantages and disadvantages; nonetheless, it consistently proves useful by expanding opportunities. She emphasized that a sound understanding of AI, appropriate coping strategies, educational measures, and psychological support can mitigate the negative mental‑health effects associated with rapid technological advancement.

The webinar was engaging and considered a significant success.