JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Digital technology use is integral to adolescents’ lives and has been associated with both health benefits as well as risks. Previous studies have largely focused on measuring quantity of technology use or understanding the use of specific platforms. To better understand adolescent digital technology use, we need new approaches that consider technology interactions and their importance.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to develop an assessment tool to evaluate adolescents’ digital technology interactions and their perceived importance.

Methods:

We used a validated scale development approach consisting of two initial steps to create an item pool: item pool development and item pool refinement. These steps relied upon empirical literature review and an expert convening. We then evaluated the item pool using an online survey. Data were collected via Qualtrics panel recruitment from a national sample of 12-18 year olds. Participant data were randomly split into a development subsample for exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and a test subsample for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). We assessed Cronbach’s alpha as well as model fit characteristics including root mean square equation analysis (RMSEA) and comparative fit index (CFI).

Results:

Our initial item pool had 71 items and the refined item pool contained 40. A total of 761 adolescents assessed the item pool via online survey. Participants had mean age 14.8 (SD=1.7), and were 52.8% female and 77.3% Caucasian. The EFA analysis included 500 participants and an 18-item draft scale was created. The CFA included 261 participants to test the draft scale. Adequate model fit for the scale was indicated by RMSEA=0.063 and CFI=0.95. The final scale included 18 items in a 3-factor model, with Cronbach’s alpha for the three factors of 0.87 (factor 1), 0.90 (factor 2) and 0.82 (factor 3). The 3 factors were named: 1) technology to bridge online/offline experiences, 2) technology to go outside one’s identity or offline environment and 3) technology for social connection.

Conclusions:

The Adolescents’ Digital Technology Interactions and Importance (ADTI) scale is a promising and psychometrically validated tool for identifying the importance of distinct technology interactions. The scale is informed by relevant theory and expert input. The 3 subscales have utility for future studies to understand whether certain subscale score ranges are associated with health or well-being outcomes.