Development and Psychometric Validation of the Brain Rot Scale: Measuring Digital Content Overconsumption Among Generation Alpha and Generation Z

Guardado en:

Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:	European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education vol. 15, no. 12 (2025), p. 262-286
Autor principal:	Mostafa, Mamdouh Mahmoud
Otros Autores:	Ibrahim, Ashraf Ragab, Nemt-allah Mohamed Ali, Arafa, Safaa Zaki, Hassan, Amina Ahmed, Helali, Mamdouh Mosaad
Publicado:	MDPI AG
Materias:	TikTok Inc Neurobiology Behavior Smartphones Generation Z Memory Brain research Social networks Generations Digital media Addictions Dopamine Quantitative psychology Decision making Computer platforms Algorithms Addictive behaviors Digital literacy Self Control Depression (Psychology) Psychological Evaluation Literature Reviews Information Retrieval Influence of Technology Attention Span Cognitive Processes Academic Achievement Educational Technology Behavior Patterns Rewards Cognitive Measurement Brain Addictive Behavior Intention Psychological Patterns Psychometrics Cognitive Ability Behavior Problems Developmental Stages Cognitive Development
Acceso en línea:	Citation/Abstract Full Text + Graphics Full Text - PDF
Etiquetas:	Agregar Etiqueta Sin Etiquetas, Sea el primero en etiquetar este registro!

Descripción
Resumen:	Brain rot refers to the cognitive decline and mental exhaustion resulting from excessive consumption of low-quality, short-form digital content, particularly affecting Generation Alpha and Generation Z. This study developed and validated the Brain Rot Scale (BRS) to assess digital content overconsumption among digital natives aged 8–24 years. A two-phase design employed separate Egyptian samples for exploratory factor analysis (EFA; n = 403) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA; n = 897). The initial 21-item Arabic scale underwent principal axis factoring with promax rotation, guided by parallel analysis. Following iterative item deletion, a 14-item scale (BRS-14) emerged with three factors: Attention Dysregulation (6 items), Digital Compulsivity (5 items), and Cognitive Dependency (3 items), accounting for 35.114% of common variance. Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated excellent fit (CFI = 0.988; TLI = 0.985; RMSEA = 0.031 [0.023, 0.039]; SRMR = 0.040), with standardized loadings ranging from 0.667 to 0.758 (p < 0.001). The scale showed excellent reliability (ω = 0.900, α = 0.899), with subscale reliabilities from 0.759 to 0.857. Convergent validity was established (CR > 0.70, AVE > 0.50). Factor intercorrelations (0.636–0.671) supported a hierarchical model where a general Brain Rot factor explained 62.9–69.9% of first-order variance. The BRS-14 provides a psychometrically sound instrument for assessing problematic digital consumption patterns among contemporary youth populations.
ISSN:	2174-8144 2254-9625
DOI:	10.3390/ejihpe15120262
Fuente:	Psychology Collection