How the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) affects Chinese art design professionals’ career exploration behavior: the roles of job insecurity, psychological distress, and proactive personality

Artificial intelligence (AI) technology is reshaping the industry ecosystem at an unprecedented pace in the field of art and design. AI technology has enormous potential to enhance creative efficiency and expand artistic expression. However, the widespread application of AI also poses serious challenges to practitioners’ professional development. Therefore, this study, based on data from 485 questionnaires, used Mplus 8.8 to explore the mechanism of the relationship between AI application and career exploration behavior among art and design professionals. The findings are: (1) The application of AI is positively related to career exploration behavior among art and design professionals. (2) Job insecurity mediates the relationship between AI application and career exploration behavior. (3) Psychological distress mediates the relationship between AI application and career exploration behavior. (4) Job insecurity and psychological distress play a chain mediating role between AI application and career exploration behavior. (5) Proactive personality moderates the relationship between AI application and career exploration behavior. These conclusions encourage collaboration between individuals and organizations and promote sustainable career ecosystems amid technological change.