Digital social pressures in the university environment

Abstract

Given the widespread prevalence of digital social pressures, particularly among the youth, and their significant impacts on various segments of society, this study aims to illuminate the reality of this phenomenon within the university context. It is based on a field study conducted on a sample of 165 university students from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Jijel, selected through stratified random sampling. A questionnaire served as the primary tool for data collection, supplemented by interviews and observations. The gathered data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings reveal that the level of exposure to digital bullying among university students is low, while the levels of digital social pressures, digital addiction, and social isolation are moderate. Based on these results, several recommendations were made to mitigate digital social pressures in the student environment. Key among these is the necessity of digital literacy education for students through organizing training courses on digital

platforms and their proper use. Additionally, providing anti-bullying programs, particularly those utilizing artificial intelligence, and training students to effectively utilize these resources is essential.