THE PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ON EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING:

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become an influential force shaping communication, education, employment, and social interaction in modern society. Although AI offers technological advancement and efficiency, it also raises significant psychological concerns regarding emotional well-being, human identity, and adaptive functioning. The present paper provides a theoretical analysis of the psychological impact of artificial intelligence on emotional well-being by examining the mediating role of human identity crisis and the moderating role of emotional intelligence. Drawing upon Self-Determination Theory, Technostress Theory, Cyberpsychology, and Existential Psychology, the study argues that increasing exposure to AI technologies may contribute to emotional distress through fear of replacement, technological dependency, reduced human uniqueness, and social disconnection. These psychological experiences may further lead to a human identity crisis characterized by confusion regarding self-worth, personal meaning, and social relevance, ultimately reducing emotional well-being. Furthermore, emotional intelligence is theoretically proposed as a protective psychological resource that may buffer the negative emotional consequences associated with AI-related stressors by promoting emotional regulation, resilience, and adaptive coping. The paper highlights the growing need to understand the psychological implications of AI within contemporary society and emphasizes the importance of emotional competence and identity stability in adapting to rapid technological transformation. This theoretical analysis contributes to emerging interdisciplinary discussions on artificial intelligence, psychology, and human well-being and may provide direction for future empirical research, mental health interventions, educational practices, and policy development in the age of AI.