Characteristic Changes in Online Learners in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration in online education has transformed student motivation, interaction, collaboration, and personalized learning. This qualitative systematic review analyzed 66 empirical studies (2020–2025) from Web of Science and Google Scholar using thematic analysis. Findings show that AI enhances motivation through adaptive feedback, gamification, and emotional scaffolding. It supports peer and instructor interaction via dynamic collaboration and personalized engagement strategies. AI fosters personalization through content and assessment adaptation based on learner profiles, though concerns remain around over-personalization and recommendation transparency. It also aids self-regulation by supporting goal setting, monitoring, and reflection – though effectiveness depends on learners’ digital literacy and autonomy. While AI presents opportunities for improving online learning, challenges persist related to authenticity, learner agency, ethical transparency, and over-reliance on automation. Educators and designers must adopt critical, learner-centered approaches to align AI use with pedagogical goals of equity and empowerment. Limitations include publication bias, varied study contexts, and rapid technological change. Future research should explore longitudinal impacts, cross-cultural perspectives, ethical dimensions, and learner co-design.