Paper Type

Short

Paper Number

PACIS2025-1823

Description

Workplace involution is a counterproductive phenomenon where employees involuntarily put in increased effort, which does not translate into meaningful gains. Involution can harm employees’ well-being and lead to a decline in overall workplace effectiveness. While artificial intelligence (AI) is a transformative force in modern workplaces, its role as a solution alleviating involution or a contributor to intensifying involution has yet to be studied in public discourse. This research examines the effects of AI on workplace involution in China. Using mixed methods of sentiment analysis and topic modeling, this research will collect public opinions on social media to (1) assess public sentiments toward AI in relation to workplace involution, (2) identify salient themes related to involution, and (3) examine how public sentiments vary across themes. Preliminary results found a growing public engagement in discussions related to AI and involution from 2022 to 2025, providing empirical support for the research value.

Comments

Technologies

Share

COinS
 
Jul 6th, 12:00 AM

Artificial Intelligence’s Role in Workplace Involution: A Text Mining Study

Workplace involution is a counterproductive phenomenon where employees involuntarily put in increased effort, which does not translate into meaningful gains. Involution can harm employees’ well-being and lead to a decline in overall workplace effectiveness. While artificial intelligence (AI) is a transformative force in modern workplaces, its role as a solution alleviating involution or a contributor to intensifying involution has yet to be studied in public discourse. This research examines the effects of AI on workplace involution in China. Using mixed methods of sentiment analysis and topic modeling, this research will collect public opinions on social media to (1) assess public sentiments toward AI in relation to workplace involution, (2) identify salient themes related to involution, and (3) examine how public sentiments vary across themes. Preliminary results found a growing public engagement in discussions related to AI and involution from 2022 to 2025, providing empirical support for the research value.