AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE IMPACT OF AI ON HUMAN EMOTIONS AND WELL-BEING

Abstract

This study has been conducted to examine the effects of artificial intelligence on human emotions and wellbeing among Pakistani population in three major cities. Using a mixed-methods research design, 450 respondents were recruited by stratified random sampling from Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad across different socioeconomic strata and age groups. Data collection was undertaken over six months using structured questionnaires including validated psychological assessment tools (DASS-21 and WEMWBS) and 30 in-depth interviews. The study found that there were strong correlations between AI usage patterns and emotional well-being, as 68 percent of respondents had positive emotional experiences with AI technologies, and 23 percent expressed concerns regarding dependency and privacy. Regarding quantitative analysis, higher well-being scores were found in moderate AI users (2-4 hours per day) compared with heavy users (>6 hours per day). Qualitative results found themes of convenience, social contact and concern about losing jobs. The study found generational differences in AI acceptance, with younger participants (18-30 years) demonstrating higher emotional resilience to the integration of AI. These findings help to understand the psychological impact of AI in developing countries and offer insights for policymakers and technology developers regarding the responsible implementation of AI in Pakistani society.