The Development and Psychometric Characteristics of the “Virtual Identity of Social Media Users” Test

Abstract

Introduction. Modern society is characterized by the widespread use of social media, which provides users with communication, leisure, work, and study opportunities. With the growth of such opportunities, more time is being spent online. ! ese circumstances explain why we developed a test entitled the Virtual Identity of Social Media Users (VISCMU). Objective. To develop and test the psychometric characteristics of the VISMU test. Design. ! e research methods included theoretical analysis, modeling, expert assessments, questionnaires, and statistical analysis. ! e research sample was comprised of 285 users of VKontakte and other social media. Results. ! e results of factor analysis proved the acceptability of the three scales identi$ ed in the test. Expert assessments showed that the test had suf- $ cient face and content validity. ! e scales were characterized by optimal indicators of internal consistency, homogeneity, and discriminatory power. ! e test-retest reliability values demonstrated that the test indicators were stable. Statistically signi$ cant di% erences in the parameter measuring virtual identity in groups with di% erent levels of success in adult life justi$ ed a su& cient level of criterion validity. ! e correlation between the test scales and the components of the factor structure of the modi$ ed test “Who am I online?” indicated its compliance with construct validity norms. Positive connections between virtual identity and Internet addiction, smartphone addiction, aggressiveness, hostility, and negative relationships with vitality, indicated su& cient convergent validity. ! e test has been standardized and speci$ ed. Conclusion. ! e test was aimed at measuring the extent to which a person’s virtual identity would reveal the speci$ c characteristics of its impact on the individual’s personal development.