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The development and initial testing of the Internet Consequences Scales (ICONS)
Deborah J Clark1, Karen H Frith
1Georgia College & State University, Milledgeville, 31061, USA. deborahclark@58ecox.net
Computers, Informatics, Nursing : CIN
|September 17, 2005
Summary
Researchers developed the Internet Consequences Scale (ICONS) to measure the physical, behavioral, economic, and psychosocial effects of internet use. This validated 44-item tool helps assess internet
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Internet Studies
Background:
- The internet is integral to daily life, yet its impact on individual well-being remains underexplored.
- Understanding the multifaceted consequences of internet usage is crucial for public health and individual welfare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a comprehensive tool for measuring the diverse consequences of internet use.
- To provide a reliable scale for assessing physical, behavioral, economic, and psychosocial impacts.
Main Methods:
- Content validity was established through expert consensus in internet communications.
- Construct validity was confirmed using confirmatory factor analysis.
- Reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha, yielding a statistically sound instrument.
Main Results:
- The Internet Consequences Scale (ICONS) was successfully developed as a 44-item instrument.
- The scale comprises four distinct subscales targeting key areas of impact.
- Statistical analyses confirmed the validity and reliability of the ICONS for measuring internet use consequences.
Conclusions:
- The ICONS is a psychometrically sound tool for assessing the broad consequences of internet use.
- This scale can aid researchers and clinicians in understanding and addressing the multifaceted effects of internet engagement.
- Further research can utilize the ICONS to explore the relationship between internet use patterns and individual well-being.