Development and Validation of The Social Media Interaction Scale for Youth

This study investigates the development and validation of the Social Media Interaction Scale (SMIS) using a cross-sectional correlation research design. Participants were selected using probability random sampling methods with sample size calculated on the basis of Yamane Formula. Social media usage was defined as various internet tools emphasizing social communication and creative expression. Informed consent was taken and confidentiality was maintained. Data were analyzed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses in SPSS version 24 and AMOS version 24 respectively. Phase I focused on interviews with the experts and developed item pool. Phase II carried out content validity. Phase III comprised a try-out. In Phase IV, the sample sufficiency was assessed using KMO and Bartlett's Test of Sphericity on a probability sample of 306 students (19 to 25 years). Principal Component Analysis with Varimax rotation and Kaiser Normalization identified three distinct components: Cognitive Engagement (CE), Behavioral Engagement (BE), and Affective Engagement (AE). Another probability sample of 257 students yielded the values of CMIN/DF ratio were 3.2. The goodness of fit index (GFI), as well as the comparative fit index (CFI), were estimated to be equal to .912 and .914 respectively. Phase V analyzed the concurrent validity and Cronbach’s Alpha reliability coefficients were 0.22 (p <0.01) and 0.86 respectively on a sample of 257 students. Conclusively, SMIS is a valid and reliable instrument developed to measure the phenomenon of social media engagement among youth. The SMIS is useful for screening youth with overindulgence tendencies in social media and to provide guidance and counselling in this aspect.