Artificial Intelligence and the Reconfiguration of Emotional Well-Being (2020–2025)
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Between 2020 and 2025, the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) in work, education, and healthcare profoundly transformed the ways in which individuals interact and manage their psychological well-being. This critical reflection article examines how AI applications—such as chatbots, conversational assistants, and algorithmic platforms—have influenced emotional expression, psychological support, and the construction of trust. The methodology is based on a critical review of 40 articles published between 2020 and 2025 in indexed journals, selected for their theoretical and empirical relevance. Criteria of theoretical validity, argumentative consistency, and bias control were applied through conceptual triangulation and cross-source review. The study includes research conducted during the pandemic as well as that addressing the transition toward broader digital environments. The findings reveal a central paradox: while AI expands access to emotional support and promotes self-regulation, it also introduces risks of dehumanization and technological dependence. The study underscores the need for a human-centered approach grounded in empathy, transparency, and ethical oversight. Theoretically, this article redefines the role of artificial intelligence within organizational psychology and mental health. Practically, it offers insights for designing technologies that enhance well-being, trust, and personal autonomy in increasingly complex digital environments.