Perceived risk of technological displacement and mental health among young workers: evidence from the CSS2023

Introduction This study examines whether perceived risk of technological displacement is associated with the mental health of young workers aged 18 to 35 and explores the mechanisms underlying this relationship. Methods Using data from the 2023 Chinese Social Survey (CSS2023) and a nationally representative sample, the analysis employs regression models, heterogeneity tests, and mediation analyses to assess both the overall association and its potential pathways. Results The results show that perceived risk of technological displacement is significantly and negatively associated with mental health. This negative association is stronger among workers without higher education, those employed in the market sector, and those living in urban areas. Mediation analyses further indicate that the association is partly accounted for by higher unemployment expectations, greater perceived socioeconomic disadvantage, and more pessimistic expectations regarding family futures. Discussion Overall, the findings suggest that perceived technological displacement risk functions as an important psychosocial stressor for young workers and that the mental health consequences of technological change extend beyond objective labor market outcomes to subjective expectations, social comparison, and future-oriented family concerns.