Digital Intelligence and Human Well-Being: Investigating the Influence of Artificial Intelligence on Student Learning and Psychological Well-Being

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming higher education by reshaping how students access information, engage with academic content, and manage learning activities, while its broader implications for students’ psychological well-being remain an important area of inquiry. This study examined the influence of artificial intelligence on student learning and psychological well-being, with particular emphasis on understanding the educational and human dimensions of AI-supported learning. A quantitative, cross-sectional study was carried out with a sample comprised of 423 students from higher education institutions in Punjab and Sindh. Data on the study variables were collected using a structured research instrument, designed on the basis of the study’s objectives and adopted from the literature, and distributed via Google Forms. The completed research instruments were downloaded to Microsoft Excel, and the data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics. To study the differences between the groups and the study variables, the following statistical methods were applied: descriptive statistics, the independent-samples t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey HSD post-hoc tests, multiple linear regression, and Cronbach’s alpha and Pearson correlation. The study findings indicated that artificial intelligence (AI) positively and significantly correlated with student learning and psychological well-being. Regression analysis indicated that AI positively and significantly predicted both student learning and psychological well-being. The study also revealed that the higher the reported level of AI use, the better students’ learning and psychological well-being. Moreover, significant differences were also found among the low-, moderate-, and high-AI use groups. The study is a pioneer in addressing the possible positive impacts of ethical AI on learning, well-being, and responsible digital practices, providing a foundation for human-centered AI in higher education.