The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Developing Digital Happiness and Reducing Mental Wandering Among Jordanian University Students Based on Cognitive Load Theory

Given the cognitive load theory (CLT) and the integration of AI in driving digital happiness and mental wandering, this investigation aspires to analyse the role of AI in the decrease of mental wandering among Jordanian university students. The survey descriptive approach was used to analyse the influence of the independent variable (AI applications) on the dependent variables (Digital happiness and mental wandering) in the study. The sample of the study was 644 male and female students at northern Jordanian universities (Government and Private) who were electronically and randomly selected through a special link. The study instrument was two scales- digital happiness and mental wandering. The findings indicated a great deal of digital happiness among participants as well as a moderate mental wandering level. Also, a moderate number of relationships were found among the variables of digital happiness and mental wandering. The study further revealed the Mean scores on Digital Happiness Scale (DH) were significantly different as a function of student's (major, gender, and level of study) attributes, but no such differences were found in the students attribute of (University), and also, significant differences were revealed on the average responses of students to the mental wandering scale, and this was attributed to Gender. In contrast to all other variables, as none were found to differ, on all variables of University, Major, and Academic level. Given the results of the Study, the positive psychological and cognitive effects of the AI applications, the implementation of such applications in universities was recommended.