Exploring the effects of mental workload on professional well-being of AI‑empowered translators and interpreters

Abstract Artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly improved the efficiency of translation and interpreting (T&I), yet its cognitive and psychological impacts remain underexplored. To address this, 299 Chinese translators and interpreters were surveyed, and interviews were conducted with 12 respondents, focusing on mental workload, anxiety, adaptation, and professional well-being. The results show that AI adoption reduces mental workload and improves professional well-being, but also increases the anxiety induced by AI use. However, this anxiety does not directly affect professional well-being. Effective adaptation strategies and continual training are essential for optimizing AI’s benefits. While AI streamlines initial T&I tasks, it increases cognitive demands during post-editing. These findings emphasize the need for a human-centered approach that balances AI’s efficiency gains with its negative cognitive effects, so as to foster a collaborative relationship between T&I professionals and AI.