The Impact of Technological Advancement on Student Character Development in the Digital Era

Keywords:

Technological Advances; Student Character; Character Education.

Abstract

Purpose –This study aims to explore the influence of technological advances on student character by analyzing how digital tools shape attitudes, behaviors, and value formation among learners. The study addresses the growing concern that rapid technological development may erode students' moral foundations, while also examining evidence that technology can strengthen positive character traits when used appropriately.

Design/methodology/approach – A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) framework to systematically analyze scientific articles published within the last five years. Data were retrieved using the keywords "character education" and "technological advances" through Google Scholar and ResearchGate. From an initial pool of search results, 10 peer-reviewed studies met the inclusion criteria and were selected for in-depth analysis. The PRISMA selection process involved four stages: identification, screening, eligibility assessment, and final inclusion. The selected articles were reviewed to identify patterns, themes, and theoretical perspectives regarding the role of technology in shaping student character.

Findings – The analysis of 10 studies reveals dual impacts of technological advancement on student character. On one hand, technology supports the development of responsibility, creativity, discipline, independence, and digital literacy when integrated through structured guidance. On the other hand, excessive or unguided use contributes to gadget addiction, decreased empathy, reduced motivation, and weakened social interaction. The findings confirm that technology itself is not the primary cause of character decline; rather, its effects depend on usage patterns, teacher supervision, parental involvement, and school policy implementation.

Research limitations/implications –Limitations relate to the scope of literature sources (n=10 studies) and the reliance on two digital databases (Google Scholar and ResearchGate), which may exclude relevant studies from regions with limited technological accessibility or those published in other academic databases. Future studies could incorporate empirical observations, expand the database sources, and include grey literature to strengthen the conclusions.

Originality/value – This study offers a balanced synthesis of recent literature by demonstrating that technological advancement acts as a neutral tool whose influence on character formation is determined by educational context and user behavior. The results provide valuable insights for educators and policymakers to design character education strategies that integrate technology responsibly and effectively. The main contributions of this study include: (1) a comprehensive PRISMA-based systematic review that consolidates current understanding of technology's dual role in character education; (2) identification of critical mediating factors (teacher supervision, parental involvement, and institutional policies) that determine whether technology enhances or undermines character development; and (3) evidence-based recommendations for stakeholders to maximize the positive potential of technology while minimizing its risks in educational settings.

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Published

2025-12-14

How to Cite

The Impact of Technological Advancement on Student Character Development in the Digital Era. (2025). Journal of Curriculum and Learning Technologies (JCLT-Krisno), 1(2), 90-99. Retrieved from https://mail.journal.almaarif.ac.id/index.php/krisno/article/view/806