Advancing Public Health through Generative Artificial Intelligence: A Focus on Digital Well-Being and the Economy of Attention

The integration of generative artificial intelligence (AI) into daily life has sparked a global conversation about its implications for human health, particularly mental health. As AI becomes more accessible and user-friendly, there is an urgent need to explore its potential consequences on mental well-being worldwide. Generative AI holds the promise of transforming global public health by enhancing the efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility of mental health services. However, to fully harness its benefits and address its challenges, research must delve into the economic and behavioral impacts of AI on mental health. The rapid evolution of AI offers unprecedented opportunities to tackle public health issues, especially mental health, but it also raises critical questions about its efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and ethical implications. The economy of attention, which views human attention as a limited resource, is particularly pertinent in today's digital era, where mental health is increasingly influenced by information overload and digital distractions. Understanding how AI can optimize attention allocation in health interventions is essential, and economic principles can guide the development of sustainable, equitable AI-driven health solutions.

This research topic aims to explore how AI technologies, when combined with economic principles, can revolutionize our approach to public health challenges, with a particular focus on mental health. The objective is to investigate how AI can be applied to mental health screening, diagnosis, and intervention, and to understand the role of the economy of attention in designing effective public health strategies. Additionally, the research seeks to develop economic models for optimizing resource allocation in mental health services and to explore AI-powered predictive analytics for public health policymaking. Ethical considerations in AI-driven mental health research and the impact of digital attention-grabbing technologies on mental well-being are also key areas of interest. Ultimately, the goal is to inform evidence-based policies, improve health outcomes, and navigate the complex landscape of AI in public health.

To gather further insights into the intersection of AI, public health, and economics, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- AI applications in mental health screening, diagnosis, and intervention

- The role of the economy of attention in designing effective public health interventions

- Economic models for optimizing resource allocation in mental health services

- AI-powered predictive analytics for public health policymaking

- Ethical considerations in AI-driven mental health research

- The impact of digital attention-grabbing technologies on mental well-being

- Cost-effectiveness analysis of AI-based mental health interventions

Keywords: mental health, AI, digital wellbeing, economy of attention, public health

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.