Digital addiction and the adolescent social interaction crisis: Integrating social displacement theory and Islamic ethics

Abstract

Background: The surge of digital engagement among adolescents since the pandemic has transformed patterns of social interaction. Persistent screen-time increases have led to reduced empathy, greater isolation, and weakened self-regulation. This study examines the crisis of adolescent social interaction through an integrative lens combining Social Displacement Theory and Islamic psychospiritual ethics. Method: This research employs a literature-based approach by reviewing empirical studies, social theories, and Islamic texts. The analysis connects the displacement mechanism, shifting time and cognitive energy from face-to-face to passive digital activities with the Islamic conception of the self, focusing on the interaction between nafs al-ammarah, al-qalb, and al-‘aql. Findings: Compulsive digital use not only triggers social displacement but also reveals the collapse of internal control. The dominance of nafs al-ammarah over al-‘aql results in israf (excess) and ghaflah (heedlessness), reflected in the erosion of empathy and social cohesion. The classical principle of wasathiyyah (moderation) proves inadequate when applied merely to external behavior, as digital addiction primarily disrupts internal cognitive and moral balance. Conclusion: The study proposes Tazkiyatun Nafs and riyadah al-nafs as psychospiritual frameworks to restore self-regulation through muraqabah, muhasabah, takhalli, tahalli, and tajalli. Novelty: This article presents a new integrative framework combining Social Displacement Theory with Islamic psychospiritual concepts to provide a comprehensive ethical model for addressing digital addiction among contemporary muslim adolescents.