Primary Big Idea: AI-Induced Stress Syndrome (AISS)

AISS is a modern psychological response to rapid technological acceleration—defined by anxiety, burnout, cognitive overload, identity disruption, and anticipatory grief triggered by automation and digital overwhelm. The book frames AISS as a treatable, predictable stress syndrome rather than a personal failing.

Secondary Big Idea: Psychological Resilience Is Trainable

Using humor, cognitive tools, mindfulness, and movement, individuals can retrain their nervous systems to remain grounded during systemic disruption.

Tertiary Big Idea: Humanity Is a Competitive Advantage

Empathy, creativity, nuance, adaptability, and meaning-making remain uniquely human skills—and they matter more as machines become more capable.

Q & A

What is AISS?

A psychological response to AI-driven disruption characterized by anxiety, burnout, cognitive overload, and identity instability.

How is AISS different from regular burnout?
Is doomscrolling really that harmful?
How can I stay focused in a world built to distract me?
Can I really use CBT skills without a therapist?
Is meditation required?
How do I talk to my kids about AI?
Why does job loss feel like an identity crisis?
What’s the first step to building resilience?
Is humor actually therapeutic?

Glossary

AISS

AISS– AI-Induced Stress Syndrome; emerging pattern of psychological symptoms tied to the struggle of keeping up with the changing world around us.

Anticipatory Grief

Mourning a future self or identity before the loss has occurred.

Digital Overload

Cognitive fatigue caused by chronic exposure to digital stimuli.

Mood Mobilization

Using simple, accessible movement as emotional regulation.

Still Mode

A grounded, non-woo mindfulness approach focused on nervous system downregulation.