The temperature of connection: psychological mechanisms and happiness generation in AI-enabled neighborhoods

The findings suggest that well-being in AI-enabled neighborhoods is generated through configurational and pathway-based mechanisms rather than isolated service attributes. Practically, neighborhood service design should prioritize baseline thresholds in reliability, usefulness, and ease of use, while treating efficiency and aesthetics as conversion accelerators. Lightweight participation loops at high-social-presence touchpoints may further strengthen attachment, sustained engagement, and downstream well-being outcomes.