AI-DRIVEN DIGITALISATION AND LIFE SATISFACTION AMONG PROFESSORS: A PARALLEL MEDIATION ANALYSIS BY FAMILY FUNCTIONING AND DIGITAL DEVICE USE

<doi>10.24250/jpe/SI/2026/DR/GR/</doi>

Abstract

AI-driven digitalisation is accelerating “always-on” work patterns in academia, especially for tech-savvy STEM professors whose teaching, research, and administrative tasks increasingly rely on digital tools. This shift can intensify work-to-home spillover and challenge digital life balance, with potential consequences for wellbeing. This study examines how family functioning profiles and AI-related digital device use jointly shape the link between negative work-to-home interaction and life satisfaction among STEM faculty. Cross-sectional survey data were collected from STEM university professors (N = 735; ages 18–66). Measures included negative work-to-home interaction (SWING subscale), life satisfaction (SWLS), family functioning profiles (balanced flexibility, rigidity, chaotic functioning), and frequency/duration of AI-related digital device use from the Artificial Intelligence–Digital Life Balance Scale (AI-DLBS). We tested a parallel mediation model, including relevant covariates (e.g., age, gender), and estimated indirect effects with confidence intervals. Negative work-to-home interaction was significantly associated with lower life satisfaction (direct effect b = -0.360, p < .001). Significant indirect effects were observed through balanced family flexibility (b = -0.075, p < .001), rigid family functioning (b = -0.015, p = .046), and AI-related digital device use frequency/duration (b = -0.084, p < .001), whereas the pathway through chaotic functioning was not significant. The total effect remained substantial (b = -0.546, p < .001), indicating partial mediation. In AI-assisted academic work, digital boundary management and family flexibility represent key leverage points for sustaining wellbeing among STEM professors. Institutional policies that reduce after-hours digital demands and support boundary-setting may protect life satisfaction in contexts of high work-to-home spillover.