The Double-Edged Sword of the Algorithmic Era: Generative AI Usage, Academic Performance, Career Anxiety, and the Anchoring Role of Muhasabah Diri

Abstract

Background: The massive integration of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) in higher education triggers a dual psychological wave for students, acting as an academic accelerator while simultaneously becoming a source of existential anxiety regarding their future careers. Objective: This study aims to examine the dual impact of GenAI usage on students' psychological and academic well-being, specifically assessing its effect on academic performance and career anxiety. Crucially, it investigates the moderating role of Muhasabah Diri (self-reflection/introspection) in mitigating career anxiety and maintaining learning motivation in the algorithmic era. Method: Employing a quantitative approach, data were collected through a structured survey of 250 university students in Semarang. The conceptual model was analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to test the hypothesized direct relationships and moderation effects. Results: Empirical findings indicate that while GenAI usage significantly predicts higher academic task efficiency, it simultaneously heightens students' career anxiety regarding future employment. Nevertheless, Muhasabah Diri emerges as a vital psychological buffer. This variable significantly moderates the relationship by dampening the negative impact of AI on career anxiety while strengthening students' intrinsic learning motivation, shifting their perspective from existential fear toward adaptive competency development. Implications: This research extends the human The Double-Edged Sword of ……………………. (Bambang Dewantoro, Heru Sulistyo, Marno Nugroho & Mutamimah) 1 LICS 2026 Topic: Strengthening Legal Frameworks for Combating Human Trafficking and Enhancing Protection of Women and Children resource management and educational psychology literature by integrating a reflective-spiritual mechanism into technology acceptance paradigms. For higher education policymakers, this study implies that technical AI literacy must be balanced with psychological and spiritual resilience programs to prepare a future workforce that is not only technologically proficient but also mentally mature.