BUILDING VIRTUAL COMMUNITIES IN EDUCATION AND ITS IMPACT ON THE PSYCHOLOGY OF STUDENTS

Abstract

The growing shift toward digital learning environments has catalyzed the emergence of virtual communities within educational contexts. These online spaces, characterized by collaborative platforms, shared academic goals, and socio-emotional support, are transforming how students interact, learn, and grow. This paper examines the psychological implications of participating in educational virtual communities, highlighting both their potential benefits—like enhanced motivation, self-esteem, and academic engagement and their drawbacks, such as digital fatigue, loneliness, and increased performance anxiety.