Artificial intelligence between the lines: Navigating economic inequality and mental health

Table 1 Framework of artificial intelligence’s moderating role between economic inequality and mental health

Key concept	Academic summary
AI as a moderating mechanism	AI operates as a dynamic factor that can either buffer or intensify the psychological effects of economic hardship
Protective function of AI	When equitably accessible, AI tools such as chatbots and predictive systems improve access to mental health support and early intervention for disadvantaged populations
Exacerbating function of AI	Unequal access, limited AI literacy, and algorithmic bias can reinforce disparities and increase psychological distress among low-income groups
Digital accessibility	Access to affordable internet and digital devices determines whether AI promotes inclusion or exclusion in mental health care
AI literacy and empowerment	AI literacy supports confident engagement with digital health tools and strengthens psychological self-management
Ethical governance	Fair, transparent, and accountable AI systems are essential to prevent harm to economically vulnerable users
Integration with human care	AI should support, not replace, human-centered mental health care by assisting assessment and monitoring
Policy and global collaboration	Cross-sector coordination is necessary to ensure equitable AI implementation and reduce mental health disparities

AI: Artificial intelligence.