The dark side of artificial intelligence: threats to tourism workers

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to conduct research by making use of studies investigating the negative effects of artificial intelligence on the future careers and work motivation of tourism employees.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research, a literature review, which is one of the qualitative research methods, was used. The study was completed by using a total of 13 articles and two book chapters investigating the negative aspects of artificial intelligence in the research data Science Direct and Web of Science databases as the main references.

Findings

In the articles examined as a result of the research, it was predicted that the entry of artificial intelligence into the tourism sector poses a threat to the future careers of many tourism employees, and this will cause tourism employees to lose their focus and motivation at work. Another conclusion reached as a result of the research is that many tourism workers will be unemployed in the future due to artificial intelligence-supported information systems and robots.

Originality/value

When the literature was reviewed, there was no research that directly examined the negative effects of artificial intelligence on tourism sector employees. Therefore, this research is unique and important in this respect.

Citation

Hamarat, H., Sahin, H., Koç Apuhan, A. and İnan, R. (2024), "The dark side of artificial intelligence: threats to tourism workers", Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, Vol. 16 No. 2, pp. 127-137. https://doi.org/10.1108/WHATT-03-2024-0061