The Role of Digital Literacy and Emerging Technologies (Artificial Intelligence) in Shaping Youth Development: A Empirical Study

Abstract

The rapid evolution of digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI) has fundamentally transformed educational systems, labor markets, and social interactions across the globe. Youth, as the primary drivers of future economies, must develop advanced digital competencies and technological awareness to adapt to these changes. This doctoral study investigates the role of digital literacy and emerging technologies, particularly AI, in influencing youth development with respect to academic performance, employability, productivity, and decision-making capacity. The study is based on primary data collected from 120 undergraduate and postgraduate students through a structured questionnaire. The research adopts a descriptive and analytical design and utilizes percentage analysis and mean score analysis for interpretation. The findings indicate that digital literacy significantly enhances academic engagement and career preparedness, while the adoption of AI tools improves learning efficiency and decision-making. The study highlights the urgent need for integrating digital literacy and AI education into higher education curricula to equip youth for the digital economy.