Evaluating Facebook scales: A systematic review of the psychological assessment tools

Introduction: Research on Facebook has predominantly focused on quantitative aspects such as time spent online, number of friends, frequency of posts, status updates, and friends' posts. However, understanding the psychological motivations and gratifications behind Facebook use is crucial for a comprehensive assessment of its impact on users. This study aims to systematically review existing questionnaires developed to measure these psychological aspects, providing valid and reliable tools for researchers in the field. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, covering articles published in English between 2004, when Facebook was launched, and 2024. The research focused on non-clinical samples, particularly university students, and studies assessing psychological attitudes towards Facebook relevant to personality trait evaluation. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Tool to ensure methodological rigor. Results: Twenty-four articles met the inclusion criteria, all employing a cross-sectional design. These studies were analyzed based on their methodological characteristics, including the nationality (language) of the studies, sample features, structure of the instruments, correlated personality measures, and the results of validity and reliability analyses. The quality assessment revealed variability in the psychometric robustness of the instruments used. Discussion: The analysis highlights significant variability in the psychometric properties of the reviewed instruments. While some questionnaires exhibit strong validity and reliability, others require further refinement and validation. This study underscores the need for ongoing efforts to improve the psychometric quality of these tools to ensure accurate measurement of the psychological impacts of Facebook use. The review provides a critical resource for researchers, guiding the selection of the most appropriate and robust scales for future studies in social media psychology.