Development and Validation of the Digital Life Balance (DLB) Scale: A Brand-New Measure for Both Harmonic and Disharmonic Use of ICTs

Abstract

The use of new technologies and information communication technology services (ICTs) has greatly increased, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in an irrevocable change in people’s work-life balance (WLB). Despite the thriving literature on the dysfunctional use of new technologies, a functional use of ICTs also seems to be possible. Inspired by the theory of psychology of harmony and referring to behavioral addiction models and substance use models, we defined the construct of digital life balance to indicate a harmonic balance between digital life and real life. In this context, the imbalance between online and offline life may reflect a dysfunctional use of ICTs and can be seen as a process of disharmonization. With this perspective in mind, the aim of this study was to develop a dedicated measuring instrument that could capture both people’s balanced and unbalanced use of ICTs. Through two cross-sectional studies (Study 1= 1473 participants; Study 2 = 953 participants), we validated the scale internally and externally. In line with the literature, Digital Life Balance scores appeared to be negatively associated with addiction measures and positively associated with well-being measures. In conclusion, the Digital Life Balance (DLB) Scale appears to be a reliable (ω = 0.89) and valid instrument to investigate people’s harmonic and disharmonic use of ICTs.

Digital Dependency: How Parenting and Social Intelligence Shape Internet Addiction

“…Wickramasinghe [ 36 ] underscored this duality by revealing that while specific ICT dimensions, such as social media and Internet usage, can bolster psychological well-being, others, such as video gaming, might exert negative influences [ 37 ]. This intricate relationship between ICTs and psychological health is further elaborated by the digital life balance (DLB) scale, introduced by Duradoni et al [ 38 ]. The DLB scale underscores the significance of balancing ICT usage's positive (harmonic) and negative (disharmonic) aspects.…”

“…Beyond the immediate scope of our study, the intricate nexus between IA, PS, and SI can potentially be influenced by broader digital life dynamics. The recently conceptualised digital life balance (DLB) scale by Duradoni et al [ 38 ] offers an innovative lens to examine the harmonic and disharmonic facets of ICT usage. Furthermore, delving into the distinct impacts of various ICT platforms, as highlighted by Wickramasinghe [ 36 ], might enrich our comprehension of the IA phenomenon.…”

Digital Life Balance Scale: Validity and Reliability in the Turkish Context

“…Digital Life Balance (DLB) Scale. The scale was developed by Duradoni et al [20]. This scale was developed to capture individuals' harmonic (i.e., balanced) and disharmonic (i.e., unbalanced) ICT uses.…”

“…Transposing this framework from the realm of abstract concepts to the domain of cutting-edge technologies, we encounter the construct of "Digital Life Balance" (DLB), a recent addition to the lexicon [20]. DLB ventures into the territory of individuals' perceptions of equilibrium, or lack thereof, between their digital and offline engagements.…”

Creating work-life balance among physicians in the age of digitalization: the role of self-consciousness and communication – a qualitative study

“…As digitalization permeates both domains of work and family life, it also gives a new dimension to WLB. Related to this, the concept of Digital Life Balance (DLB) was born which means the successful harmonization of online and offline life [ 33 ]. The digitalization of healthcare challenges the successful coordination of work and private life - in terms of working hours, availability, as well as keeping boundaries.…”