Artificial Intelligence vs. Users’ Well-Being and the Role of Personal Factors: A Study on Arab and British Samples

Abstract As we navigate an era defined by rapid technological advancement, the pervasive integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into daily life prompts critical inquiries into its impact on individual well-being across different cultural contexts. This study investigates the relationship between AI and well-being across British and Arab populations, focusing on how AI competency—defined as knowledge, skills, and familiarity with AI technology—personality traits, and locus of control influence perceptions of AI’s contribution to well-being. A total of 562 participants (281 from each group) completed an online survey, which measured their perceptions of AI’s impact on well-being, AI competency, personality traits, and locus of control. Results reveal significant cultural differences, with Arab participants perceiving AI’s contribution to well-being more positively than their British counterparts. Higher AI competency, i.e., self-rated proficiency in using AI and adjusting its settings, was associated with a greater perceived positive AI impact on well-being in both groups. The personality trait of neuroticism predicted negative perceptions of AI in both samples, while extraversion and conscientiousness were significant positive predictors in the Arab sample and agreeableness in the British sample. Internal locus of control consistently predicted positive perceptions of AI’s contribution to well-being across both cultures. These findings underscore the need for culturally sensitive AI implementations and highlight the importance of fostering AI competency and a sense of control among users to enhance well-being. Future research should explore these dynamics in more diverse cultural settings and consider longitudinal designs to examine the long-term implications of AI use on well-being. Additionally, interventions promoting informed and responsible AI engagement could further improve well-being outcomes.