Grief in the AI Age

Brad Frost applies the Kübler-Ross five stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance) as a framework for understanding how developers and designers are emotionally responding to the rise of AI. He argues that many professionals are experiencing genuine grief over the loss of identity, craft, and livelihood, and encourages readers to work toward acceptance — not as passive approval of AI's harms, but as a foundation for committed, purposeful action. He also emphasizes that grief is non-linear and personal, and calls for empathy toward others navigating this moment.