Development and Validation of Digital Minimalism Scale

Abstract

Digital minimalism refers to the intentional curation of digital tools and online activities in order to improve focus, productivity, and overall well-being. The current study consisted of two studies that aimed to construct a psychometrically valid measure of digital minimalism. Based on the literature analysis and four focus groups with psychologists and common adolescents, an initial item pool of 20 items was produced for study I. After reviewing this item pool, a group of psychologists came up with a preliminary draft of the digital minimalism that contained a total of 14 questions. It was administered to a group of Pakistani adolescents (N = 346). By exploratory component analysis, the results suggested the presence of two factor structures. Factor loadings ranging from.59 to.76 of the digital minimalism scale use that explained 47% of the variation. Digital intent (5 items), and Digital Declutter (4 items) were the two factors. All factors were correlated with one another with good alpha reliability (α >.71). In the second study, the factorial structure was duplicated with the use of a confirmatory factor analysis, and its construct validity was examined in an independent sample consisting of 678 Pakistani adolescents. A good correlation existed between a digital minimalism and life satisfaction. In general, the findings demonstrated that Digital minimalism scale is a psychometrically sound measure that ought to be investigated further among adolescents all over the world.