AI-Enabled Consumer Services and Subjective Well-Being

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is being rapidly integrated into consumer services, yet its impact on users' well-being remains unclear. Moving beyond prior research on access and usage intentions, this study evaluates whether AI-enabled consumer services enhance perceived quality of life. Using the 2024 Digital Information Gap Survey (N = 11,596) in South Korea, this study constructs a comprehensive AI engagement measure across eight domains (education, home automation, communication, media, finance, transportation, health, and generative AI) and examines its relationship with life satisfaction. The results of ordinary least squares and two-stage least squares regressions (using digital education engagement as an instrument) show a positive association between AI use and life satisfaction, driven primarily by home automation and smart mobility services. Subgroup analyses indicate that the association observed in the general population is not significant among vulnerable populations, including rural workers, individuals with disabilities, and low-income households. These findings suggest that AI-enabled consumer services generally increase subjective well-being, but the benefits depend on the service context and user characteristics.