AI, psychological resources and workplace alienation : While AI often enhances our psychological resources (self-confidence, sense of control, self-esteem) by validating our input, amplifying our capabilities, and making our work easier and more efficient, it simultaneously undermines the very processes through which psychological resources are sustainably developed
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- This thesis explores an emerging paradox linked to the evolving integration of AI in intellectual work: if AI reinforces short-term psychological resources of workers (feeling of competence, autonomy and self-confidence), it simultaneously fragilizes the processes by which resources are developed. Our central question is to understand how the use of AI can reinforce and fragilize these resources, and what the implications are in terms of alienation. To explore this paradox, a qualitative approach has been chosen, articulated around eight structured interviews with eight workers from different sectors. Our analysis has been structured around five dimensions: feeling of competence, autonomy, professional identity, work meaning and developed strategies. The results confirm the existence of the paradox, while revealing its conditions. Reinforcement is mainly related to efficiency instead of real competence. Fragilization depends mainly on the previously acquired mastery and vigilance: experienced profiles use AI as an amplifier, compared to junior profiles who show signs of dependency. Contrary to expectations, work meaning is largely preserved, and most workers develop protection strategies. We have highlighted two profiles: the vigilant amplifiers and the fragilized dependents.