Creating a Balance Between the Digital Environment and Real Social Life Among Students of the Faculty of Education at the University of Zinta

Abstract

The study aimed to identify the impact of the digital environment on social relationships among the students of the Faculty of Education at Zintan University. The researcher adopted the descriptive-analytical method and applied the study to the research population represented by the faculty students for the academic year 2025. A comprehensive survey method was used, distributing 176 questionnaires, of which 164 were retrieved, and 14 were excluded for invalidity, resulting in 150 valid questionnaires for analysis, with a response rate of 93.18%.

The researcher used a questionnaire consisting of 30 items based on the five-point Likert scale to measure the independent variable (digital environment) and the dependent variable (social relationships). The validity of the tool was verified using face validity by presenting it to 8 specialized evaluators, achieving an agreement rate of 85%, indicating the tool’s suitability for application.

The results indicated a high level of digital environment engagement among the students, frequent use of social media and virtual communication, and extended time spent on smart devices. The results also showed a statistically significant relationship between the digital environment and social relationships, and that excessive use of digital tools leads to weakened direct social interaction while contributing to the expansion of virtual social relationships among students.