HUMAN AI INTERACTION THROUGH A PSYCHOLOGICAL LENS: EMOTIONS, COGNITION, AND BEHAVIOUR

Abstract

The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into personal, social, and professional domains has fundamentally transformed how humans interact with technology. AI systems are no longer perceived solely as tools; instead, they increasingly assume quasi-social roles that influence human emotions, cognition, decision-making, and communication. From a psychological perspective, this study examines human–AI interaction by focusing on the dynamic interplay among emotion, cognition, and behavior. Drawing on insights from cognitive psychology, affective science, and human–computer interaction (HCI), the study explores how users construct meaning, develop trust, and negotiate control when engaging with AI systems.

The emotional dimension of human–AI interaction is examined through key affective responses such as trust, empathy, fear, and anxiety, particularly in high-stakes contexts including healthcare, education, and finance. The cognitive dimension focuses on attention, perception, reasoning, and adaptive learning processes that shape how users interpret, evaluate, and respond to algorithmic decisions. The behavioral dimension addresses patterns of adoption, resistance, and long-term reliance on AI systems, highlighting the socio-psychological consequences of sustained interaction with intelligent technologies. The study further considers ethical and societal implications, including risks of overreliance, cognitive offloading, and diminished human agency, alongside potential benefits such as empowerment, efficiency, and personalized support.

By integrating psychological theory with empirical inquiry, this research contributes to the growing literature on human–AI interaction and emphasizes the importance of transparency, explainability, and human-centered design in fostering trust and psychological well-being. Practical implications are offered for policymakers, designers, and stakeholders to promote responsible and psychologically informed AI integration.