Artificial Intelligence and Human Well-Being: A Review of Applications and Effects on Life Satisfaction through Synthetic Happiness

Abstract

This paper examines the role of Artificial Intelligence in enhancing human well-being across domains such as healthcare, mental health, and education. A key contribution is the introduction of synthetic happiness—a form of well-being facilitated or enhanced by AI rather than naturally occurring processes. By reviewing current advancements, the study highlights AI’s positive impact on life satisfaction while addressing ethical concerns and potential drawbacks. The paper explores AI’s role in personalised healthcare, mental health support, and adaptive education, demonstrating how it fosters environments conducive to happiness. It further analyses synthetic happiness as a novel perspective on AI-driven well-being, discussing its benefits and risks, including reduced human interaction and over-reliance on artificial systems. While AI presents transformative opportunities to enhance happiness, it must complement rather than replace genuine human experiences. This paper provides a foundation for understanding AI’s role in well-being and offers insights for future research and applications.