"ANOMIE IN THE DIGITAL AGE: SOCIETAL NORMLESSNESS AND ITS IMPACT ON ACADEMIC INTEGRITY IN UAE HIGHER EDUCATION"

Abstract

This study, "Anomie in the Digital Age: Societal Normlessness and Its Impact on Academic Integrity in UAE Higher Education," interrogates the application of Émile Durkheim's theory of anomie in the evolving landscape of UAE higher education within the digital learning paradigm. It critically examines how the proliferation of digital tools and online learning platforms might induce a state of normlessness, influencing academic integrity amongst students and educators. Through a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data from student surveys with qualitative insights from interviews, the research evaluates the ethical perspectives of the digital-age student body and the challenges educators face in maintaining scholarly principles. The aim is twofold: to understand the extent to which academic integrity is upheld amidst the digital shift, and to propose informed recommendations for policy and practice that resonate with the values of the contemporary learner. The significance of this work lies in its multifaceted impact on educational policy, sociological understanding, and cultural discourse. By revisiting Durkheim's concept of anomie, the study demonstrates the theory's ongoing relevance in deciphering the nuances of academic conduct in a digital age characterised by rapid technological advancement and shifting educational norms. Initial findings suggest that the rapid adoption of digital tools may erode traditional educational structures, leading to a spectrum of student behaviours that range from strict adherence to ethical standards to rationalised academic dishonesty. This research contributes to the sociological and educational discourse by offering a comprehensive view of UAE higher education's societal norms and individual behaviours. The outcomes of this investigation are intended to enrich educational strategies and policies, ensuring they are attuned to the exigencies of the modern educational environment and the ethical challenges it presents. Thus, this study not only bridges classical sociological thought with current educational challenges but also aims to influence the future trajectory of academic integrity policies in the digital era.

Keywords: Anomie, Academic Integrity, Digital Learning, UAE Higher Education, Student Behavior, Educational Ethics, Sociological Theory, Durkheim, Technology in Education, Ethical Compliance.