Artificial Intelligence and the Reconfiguration of Emotional Well-Being (2020–2025)

A Critical Reflection

Bibliographic Data

ID13024876
AuthorsCarlos Santiago-Torner (0000-0002-0852-1578, Universitat de Vic - Universitat Central de Catalunya, corresponding author), José A Corral‐marfil (0000-0003-0782-3109, Universitat de Vic - Universitat Central de Catalunya), Elisenda Tarrats-Pons (0000-0001-7573-2490, Universitat de Vic - Universitat Central de Catalunya)
Year2025
Volume16
Issue1
Pages6-6
Publication date2025-12-23
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSocieties (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2075-4698 • E-ISSN: 2075-4698
PublisherMDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT)
DOI10.3390/soc16010006
OpenAlexW7116885077
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited41

Between 2020 and 2025, rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) reshaped how individuals access emotional support, express feelings, and build interpersonal trust. This article offers a critical reflection—based on an analytical review of 40 peer-reviewed studies—on the psychosocial, ethical, and sociotechnical tensions that characterize AI-mediated emotional well-being. We document both opportunities (expanded access to support, personalization, and early detection) and risks (simulated empathy, affective dependence, algorithmic fatigue, and erosion of relational authenticity). Methodologically, we applied a three-phase critical review: exploratory reading, thematic clustering, and interpretive synthesis; sources were retrieved from Scopus, Web of Science and PsycINFO and filtered by relevance, methodological rigor, and topical fit. We propose a conceptual model integrating three interdependent levels—technological–structural, psychosocial–relational, and ethical–existential—and argue for a sociotechnical perspective that recognizes AI as a co-constitutive actor in emotional ecologies. The article closes with targeted research agendas and policy recommendations to foster human-centered AI that preserves emotional autonomy and equity

Autonomy · Emotional intelligence · Interdependence · Interpersonal communication · Perspective (graphical · PsycINFO · Sociotechnical system · Thematic analysis · Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare and Education · Digital Mental Health Interventions · Mental Health via Writing

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