Digital Isolation and Its Impact on the Social and Psychological Development of Learners in the Era of Smart Education

Abstract

The study addressed the phenomenon of "digital isolation" arising from the increasing expansion in the use of smart technologies within educational environments, and monitored its effects on the social and psychological development of learners in the era of smart education. The study aimed to identify the social and psychological dimensions of digital isolation, uncover its psychological effects such as loss of motivation and alienation, and develop a future educational vision that balances technology with balanced human development. The study adopted the descriptive analytical approach and the survey method, applying a questionnaire to (120) learners and conducting semi-structured interviews with (15) teachers in public and private schools in Al-Muthanna Governorate, Iraq. The study reached several findings, most notably: the overall mean of social isolation indicators was (3.66) out of (5), which is a high level, as 68% of learners acknowledged a decline in their number of real friends, and 61% found it difficult to understand others' feelings; the overall mean of psychological effects was (3.72) out of (5), with chronic mental exhaustion appearing at a rate of 66%, and loss of intrinsic motivation among 59%, confirming that digital isolation generates anxiety, loneliness, and psychological alienation. The study recommended the necessity of integrating digital health skills into school curricula, setting maximum limits for mandatory digital interaction so that it does not exceed 50% of a single class period, while allocating device‑free spaces within educational institutions to enhance direct human interaction.