Online Education and its Impact on Students’ Emotional Well-Being: The Mediating Role of Social Interaction

Author(s) : *Tauqeer Abdullah

Abstract:

In an era marked by virtual classrooms and digital learning platforms, the influence of online
education on students’ emotional well-being emerges as a crucial discussion point. As students
navigate screens rather than traditional classrooms, understanding the nuanced impact of this
shift on their emotional health becomes paramount. This study aimed to examine how online
education impacts students’ emotional well-being, considering social interaction as a mediating
factor. A quantitative research design was employed, targeting students enrolled in online
programs at Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU). A sample of 2,000 students was taken from
four different faculties and programs through stratified random sampling. The data were
collected using a self-developed tool with three scales and a total of 28 items. The data were
analyzed through SPSS and AMOS. In the results, the study found a significant direct
association between online education and students’ emotional well-being (β = 60.52%). In
addition, the study also found a significant indirect association between online education and
students’ emotional well-being through the mediating role of social interaction (β = 39.48%). In
conclusion, students who were getting online education had concerns about their emotional
well-being due to the long screen time. No social interaction due to online learning also
significantly contributed to increasing issues about emotional well-being among students.
Keywords: Online education, emotional well-being, mental health, education, teacher