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Ever-present threats from information technology: the Cyber-Paranoia and Fear Scale.
Oliver J Mason1, Caroline Stevenson1, Fleur Freedman1
1Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London London, UK.
Frontiers in Psychology
|December 16, 2014
Summary
New research introduces the Cyber-Paranoia and Fear Scale to measure technology-related anxieties. Findings suggest distinct cyber-paranoia and cyber-fear dimensions, potentially reduced by increased digital literacy and awareness.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Cyberpsychology
- Information Technology
Background:
- Technology-related delusions and fears are increasingly prevalent.
- These fears exist on a spectrum from realistic concerns to paranoia.
- A need exists for a validated measure of technology-specific anxieties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the construct of cyber-paranoia and fear in a non-clinical population.
- To develop and validate a novel self-report measure, the Cyber-Paranoia and Fear Scale.
- To explore the psychometric properties of the scale and its relationship with other psychological constructs.
Main Methods:
- Development of the Cyber-Paranoia and Fear Scale.
- Administration of the scale to 181 participants, including IT professionals.
- Exploratory factor analysis and psychometric validation alongside established paranoia measures.
Main Results:
- Exploratory factor analysis identified two dimensions: cyber-paranoia and cyber-fear.
- Both sub-scales demonstrated internal consistency and normal score distribution.
- Scale validity was supported by relationships with age, gender, trait paranoia, digital literacy, and inclusion.
Conclusions:
- The Cyber-Paranoia and Fear Scale is a psychometrically sound measure for technology-related anxieties.
- 'Cyber-paranoia' is distinct from general paranoia, mirroring clinical observations.
- Enhancing technological proficiency and awareness may mitigate cyber-paranoia.
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