Lee J, Allen J. Artificial intelligence between the lines: Navigating economic inequality and mental health. World J Psychiatry 2026; 16(6): 117120 [DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v16.i6.117120]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Jaewon Lee, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Social Welfare, Inha University, 100 Inha-ro, Incheon 22212, South Korea. j343@inha.ac.kr
Research Domain of This Article
Psychology, Social
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review-article
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Lee J, Allen J. Artificial intelligence between the lines: Navigating economic inequality and mental health. World J Psychiatry 2026; 16(6): 117120 [DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v16.i6.117120]
World J Psychiatry. Jun 19, 2026; 16(6): 117120 Published online Jun 19, 2026. doi: 10.5498/wjp.v16.i6.117120
Artificial intelligence between the lines: Navigating economic inequality and mental health
Jaewon Lee, Jennifer Allen
Jaewon Lee, Department of Social Welfare, Inha University, Incheon 22212, South Korea
Jennifer Allen, School of Social Work, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States
Author contributions: Lee J and Allen J contributed to editorial changes in the manuscript and approved the final manuscript.
AI contribution statement: ChatGPT was used only for limited language polishing, including grammar checking and correction of awkward or broken English expressions. No part of the manuscript’s main text was AI-generated in terms of substantive content, ideas, arguments, analysis, or interpretation. AI tools were not used in the study design, data analysis, interpretation of results, or development of the research ideas. No images in the manuscript were generated by AI.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Corresponding author: Jaewon Lee, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Social Welfare, Inha University, 100 Inha-ro, Incheon 22212, South Korea. j343@inha.ac.kr
Received: December 1, 2025 Revised: December 19, 2025 Accepted: February 3, 2026 Published online: June 19, 2026 Processing time: 181 Days and 1.5 Hours
Abstract
Economic inequality is a significant determinant of mental health, as financial insecurity and social disadvantage often intensify anxiety, depression, and psychological distress. This review explores the moderating role of artificial intelligence (AI) in this relationship, illustrating how AI can either buffer or amplify the psychological effects of economic hardship. AI-driven technologies such as predictive analytics, chatbots, and digital mental health platforms have expanded opportunities to identify and support individuals vulnerable to mental distress, particularly in resource-limited environments. These tools can mitigate inequality-related mental health risks by improving access to affordable and personalized care. However, disparities in digital access, AI literacy, and data representation can reinforce existing disadvantages, worsening psychological vulnerability among marginalized groups. By analyzing these contrasting roles, this paper emphasizes the importance of equitable access, ethical design, and inclusive implementation in ensuring that AI functions as a protective rather than divisive force. Understanding how AI moderates the connection between economic inequality and mental health is crucial for developing fair and sustainable approaches to psychological well-being in an increasingly digital world.
Core Tip: Artificial intelligence moderates the relationship between economic inequality and mental health in two ways. It can alleviate psychological burdens by improving access to care, or exacerbate distress by reinforcing digital and social exclusion. Building equitable systems and ensuring inclusive artificial intelligence use are essential for realizing its protective potential.
