Development and Psychometric Validation of the Cyber-Self Scale (CSS) in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Measuring adolescents’ and youths’ perception of their Cyber-Self can enhance the understanding of how digital technology influences identity formation. While psychological literature offers numerous measures of the self, there is a notable lack of studies addressing the measurement of the Cyber-Self. This study aims to evaluate the reliability, factorial- and criterion-related validity, and measurement invariance of the Cyber-Self Scale (CSS) across age and gender among the youth and adolescents in Saudi Arabia. 

Methods: The Cyber Relationship Motives (CRM) and E-Emotional Questionnaire (EEQ) were administered to students at Umm Al-Qura University (N = 335), aged 17–31 years (39.7% male, 60.3% female; mean (M) = 21.75, standard deviation (SD) = 2.17). 

Results: The results indicated significant positive correlations between the sub-components of the CRM and EEQ. One item was selected based on two criteria: the highest correlation with other items and the highest correlation with the general factor. A total of 12 items were identified as the final form of the CSS, which demonstrated acceptable internal consistency for both male and female participants. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) revealed that the CSS model fit the data well, with all 12 items meeting the fit criteria for chi-square and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA). 

Conclusion: The Arabic version of the CSS is sufficiently reliable and valid for use among Arabic-speaking adolescents and youth. Further research is recommended to examine its measurement invariance over extended periods.