The Effect of Social Media Reliance on the Perception of AI Threats in the Workplace

Abstract—Social media dependency has become a significant factor influencing individuals' perceptions of technology, including artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace. Information about AI circulating on social media can shape perceptions of threats, such as fears of job displacement, skill redundancy, and loss of control in decision-making. This study aims to analyze the relationship between social media dependency and perceived AI threats in the workplace. Data were collected through an online survey in January 2025, involving 403 respondents from various industry sectors in Indonesia. After data cleaning, 255 valid responses were used for analysis. A purposive sampling technique was applied to ensure participation from employees with AI exposure. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to examine the relationships between variables. The findings indicate that higher social media dependency is associated with greater perceived AI threats, particularly regarding the perceived unfairness of AI implementation and concerns over skill obsolescence. These results suggest that companies need more transparent communication strategies when implementing AI to reduce employee anxiety and foster a smoother technological adaptation process.