The Role of Digital Devices in Shaping Moral Values Among University Students: A Critical Examination

Abstract

This article examines the evolving impact of digital devices on students’ moral thinking in higher education. In the context of a technologically oriented learning environment, mobile devices such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets are important instruments of learning and communication. While these gadgets have a lot of academic benefits, Data collection for the study was carried out with 500 students enrolled in two public and two private universities, utilizing a survey questionnaire. A five-point Likert scale was used to gauge attitudes and behavioral trends relative to device usage. Findings have shown that the over-reliance on digital devices, especially in anonymous settings or in those controlled by algorithms, erodes moral sensitivity and disrupts ethical judgment. Results of this study justify an immediate curriculum revision for higher education institutions by integrating digital ethics, fostering responsible engagement while maintaining academic integrity