Research Article

The AI Learning Paradox: Balancing Educational Benefits and Digital Dependency

Volume: 11 Number: 3 December 7, 2025
TR EN

The AI Learning Paradox: Balancing Educational Benefits and Digital Dependency

Abstract

As artificial intelligence (AI) transforms higher education and universities are increasingly adopting AI-driven tools to personalize learning, streamline administration, and enhance student engagement. However, this integration presents a paradox: while AI promises to improve educational outcomes, it also risks deepening students digital dependency. This paper explores how AI features like persuasive design and data-driven personalization can unintentionally foster compulsive behaviors and cognitive overload. Drawing on theories such as Cognitive Load Theory and Surveillance Capitalism, it critiques how AI may mirror the addictive patterns of social media and entertainment technologies. The paper proposes a balanced approach to AI integration, recommending the adoption of mindful design principles, digital well-being policies, and ethical guidelines that prioritize student mental health alongside academic performance. It concludes by urging educators, policymakers, and developers to collaboratively design AI systems that enhance learning while safeguarding students well-being and autonomy.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

Ibn Haldun University

Ethical Statement

This article is a conceptual and theoretical analysis and does not involve the collection of empirical data from human participants. As such, ethical approval from an institutional review board (IRB) or ethics committee was not required. The manuscript adheres to the ethical standards of academic integrity, including proper citation of all referenced work and avoidance of plagiarism, data fabrication, or falsification. All sources have been duly acknowledged, and the author declares that there are no conflicts of interest related to the content of this study.

References

  1. Makransky, G., & Petersen, G. B. (2021b). The Cognitive Affective Model of Immersive Learning (CAMIL): a Theoretical Research-Based Model of Learning in Immersive Virtual Reality. Educational Psychology Review, 33(3), 937–958. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-020-09586-2
  2. Matamoros-Echeverria, K. L., Sanchez-Leon, E. R., Aristega-Zuñiga, A. A., Cárdenas-Rodríguez, M. M., & Peralta-Gamboa, D. A. (2025). The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Digital Economy: Advances and Challenges - A Systematic Literature Review. Journal of Posthumanism, 5(2). https://doi.org/10.63332/joph.v5i2.420 Nguyen, A., Ngo, H. N., Hong, Y., Dang, B., & Nguyen, B.-P. T. (2023). Ethical principles for artificial intelligence in education. Education and Information Technologies, 28(4), 4221–4241. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-022-11316-w Orji, A. (2024). Artificial Intelligence and Persuasive Computing Approach for Motivating Students’ and Enhancing their Learning Experience [University of Saskatchewan]. https://hdl.handle.net/10388/16265 Pittman, B. (2025). K–12 Educators’ Use of Technology and Experiences With Technostress: A Case Study. [Organizational Leadership]. https://digitalcommons.acu.edu/etd/861

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Other Fields of Education (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Early Pub Date

December 8, 2025

Publication Date

December 7, 2025

Submission Date

July 6, 2025

Acceptance Date

December 7, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 11 Number: 3

APA
Nazir, T., & Yılmaz, Z. E. (2025). The AI Learning Paradox: Balancing Educational Benefits and Digital Dependency. International Journal of Field Education, 11(3), 100-119. https://izlik.org/JA95HX56KC
AMA
1.Nazir T, Yılmaz ZE. The AI Learning Paradox: Balancing Educational Benefits and Digital Dependency. IJOFE. 2025;11(3):100-119. https://izlik.org/JA95HX56KC
Chicago
Nazir, Thseen, and Zeynep Esra Yılmaz. 2025. “The AI Learning Paradox: Balancing Educational Benefits and Digital Dependency”. International Journal of Field Education 11 (3): 100-119. https://izlik.org/JA95HX56KC.
EndNote
Nazir T, Yılmaz ZE (December 1, 2025) The AI Learning Paradox: Balancing Educational Benefits and Digital Dependency. International Journal of Field Education 11 3 100–119.
IEEE
[1]T. Nazir and Z. E. Yılmaz, “The AI Learning Paradox: Balancing Educational Benefits and Digital Dependency”, IJOFE, vol. 11, no. 3, pp. 100–119, Dec. 2025, [Online]. Available: https://izlik.org/JA95HX56KC
ISNAD
Nazir, Thseen - Yılmaz, Zeynep Esra. “The AI Learning Paradox: Balancing Educational Benefits and Digital Dependency”. International Journal of Field Education 11/3 (December 1, 2025): 100-119. https://izlik.org/JA95HX56KC.
JAMA
1.Nazir T, Yılmaz ZE. The AI Learning Paradox: Balancing Educational Benefits and Digital Dependency. IJOFE. 2025;11:100–119.
MLA
Nazir, Thseen, and Zeynep Esra Yılmaz. “The AI Learning Paradox: Balancing Educational Benefits and Digital Dependency”. International Journal of Field Education, vol. 11, no. 3, Dec. 2025, pp. 100-19, https://izlik.org/JA95HX56KC.
Vancouver
1.Thseen Nazir, Zeynep Esra Yılmaz. The AI Learning Paradox: Balancing Educational Benefits and Digital Dependency. IJOFE [Internet]. 2025 Dec. 1;11(3):100-19. Available from: https://izlik.org/JA95HX56KC