Effects of artificial intelligence on psychological health and social interaction

This paper examines the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on mental health and social relationships, focusing on how AI influences emotional states, social interactions, and psychological support. It contextualizes the rapid development of AI and its pervasive influence in modern society, encompassing technologies such as machine learning, deep learning, and robotics, alongside their applications in virtual assistants, social media, and healthcare. The psychological implications of AI are explored through dimensions including emotional well-being, stress, anxiety, and depression, with particular emphasis on the effects of social media and virtual environments on self-esteem, body image, and social comparison. Moreover, AI has been recognized as a valuable tool in mental health therapy, providing applications for meditation and virtual therapy. The dynamics of social interactions are also examined, revealing how AI technologies can alter human relationships, potentially diminishing empathy and contributing to social isolation. Positive aspects include enhanced access to psychological support and global connectivity; conversely, negative aspects encompass technological dependence and the dehumanization of interpersonal relationships. Ethical dilemmas such as privacy violations, algorithmic decision-making, and lack of transparency further complicate this context. The integration of AI into social media and applications may create "echo chambers" that shape user perceptions, posing additional risks, including excessive reliance on technology for emotional support and a potential reduction in genuine social connections. The future of AI holds significant potential for the development of advanced tools aimed at enhancing psychological support and social interactions, particularly through augmented reality (AR) and virtual worlds. Future research should prioritize understanding the long-term impacts of AI on the mental health of children and adolescents, the role of AI in crisis situations, and the identification of biases within algorithms utilized in mental health applications. Furthermore, it is essential to explore the incorporation of AI with traditional therapeutic approaches and its effects on stress and workplace dynamics. Educational programs designed to empower users to responsibly engage with AI tools are of critical importance. A cohesive interdisciplinary approach, supported by comprehensive global guidelines, is necessary to optimize the benefits of AI technologies in mental health and to effectively mitigate potential risks.