Mental Health in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Work and Social Relations

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly shaping how people work, interact, communicate, and manage their psychological well-being, making it one of the most influential technological developments of the contemporary era. While AI presents significant opportunities for enhancing productivity, access to information, and mental health support, concerns have emerged regarding its implications for employee well-being, social connectedness, and human relationships. Against this backdrop, this paper examined mental health in the age of Artificial Intelligence with particular focus on its implications for work and social relations. Specifically, the paper investigated the influence of Artificial Intelligence on mental health and psychological well-being, examined its implications for job experiences, workplace stress, and employee well-being, and assessed its effects on social relations, interpersonal interactions, and social connectedness. The paper was anchored on the Socio-Technical Systems Theory which explains the interdependence between technological systems and human social systems. Adopting a systematic literature review approach based on the PRISMA framework, evidence was synthesised from peer-reviewed studies retrieved from Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The paper revealed that AI has improved access to mental health support, enhanced workplace efficiency, and facilitated communication and social engagement. However, the paper also identified concerns relating to psychological dependency, job insecurity, workplace stress, algorithmic surveillance, social isolation, and weakened interpersonal interactions. The paper concluded that the outcomes of AI depend largely on how technological innovations are integrated into human-centred social and organisational systems. It recommended the adoption of human-centred AI policies, investment in digital skills and employee support programmes, and the development of ethical safeguards that promote healthy social interactions and psychological well-being.