A Study on the Relational Use of Artificial Intelligence, Psychological Well-being, and Rumination among Young Adults

Abstract

In the modern era, human-AI interactions have been shifted from functional to relational use. The relational use of AI has a significant effect on an individual’s psychological, mental, and cognitive functioning. The present study aims to understand the relationship between Relational AI usage, Psychological Well-being, and Rumination among Young adults. For this purpose, a sample of 102 young adults in the age range of 18-25 was taken. Standardized measures were administered to measure Relational AI usage, Psychological Well-being, and Rumination. The results revealed a significant negative relationship between Relational AI Usage and Psychological Well-being, as well as a significant positive relationship between Relational AI Usage and Rumination. The findings suggested that young adults should be guided towards authentic human relationships and structured therapeutic AI models to protect mental well-being, rather than relying on unstructured AI models.