Reliability and validity of the problematic TikTok Use Scale among the general population

Abstract

IntroductionThis study aims to provide a scale for measuring problematic TikTok use levels by adapting items from the Instagram Addiction Scale.MethodsThe 372 participants were determined by a convenience sampling method, and data were collected through Google online forms. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were performed for construct validity and criterion-related validity analysis. Criterion-related validity for the Problematic TikTok Use Scale (PTTUS) was tested using correlation analysis between the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale and Social Media Use Disorder Scale.ResultsEFA indicated that a three-factor structure should be formed. The first factor is the sub-dimension of obsession and consists of 4 items, the second factor is the escapism sub-dimension and consists of 6 items, and the third factor is the lack of control sub-dimension and consists of 6 items. The model fit for adapting the PTTUS into Turkish was examined with first-level CFA, χ2/sd, RMSEA, CFI, GFI, AGFI, and SRMR, the obtained values show that the three-factor structure of the scale provides acceptable fit. Reliability analyses showed that Cronbach’s alpha internal consistency reliability coefficient ranged from 0.83 to 0.90; McDonald’s Omega reliability values was 0.84 to 0.90, and test–retest correlation coefficient ranged from 0.68 to 0.73, indicating sufficient internal consistency and test–retest reliability.ConclusionBased on this information, PTTUS is a measurement tool with sufficient psychometric properties that can be applied to determine individuals’ levels of problematic TikTok use.

Procrastination Mediates the Relationship between Problematic TikTok Use and Depression among Young Adults

“…Research has shown that problematic TikTok use is associated with depression, social anxiety, boredom proneness, and distress intolerance [ 73 , 74 , 75 ]. A study involving Chinese high school students found that problematic TikTok use is positively linked to memory loss, depression, anxiety, and stress [ 71 ].…”

“…Excessive social media use, in general, leads to increasing procrastination levels [ 57 , 58 , 61 , 64 , 65 ] and is linked to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression [ 71 , 73 , 75 ]. The widespread presence and accessibility of temptations, such as TikTok use, can be seen as an occasion to put off essential matters until later and further intensify the issue of procrastination [ 46 ].…”

“…Excessive use of cell phones increases depression, anxiety, and self-regulation, as suggested by longitudinal studies [ 69 , 70 ]. Also, recent studies showed that problematic TikTok use (PTTU) is a significant predictor of depression [ 71 , 72 , 73 , 74 , 75 , 76 ]. Finally, Davis et al [ 8 ] found positive moderate correlations between all four dimensions of the newly developed Online Cognition Scale (OCS; loneliness and depression, diminished impulse control, distraction, and social comfort) as a measure of problematic internet use and both procrastination and depressive symptoms among undergraduates.…”

“…Procrastination correlates positively with PTTU [ 21 , 49 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 , 61 , 67 ] and depression symptoms [ 46 , 54 , 55 , 67 , 77 ], and PTTU is positively associated with depression symptom severity [ 67 , 71 , 72 , 73 , 74 , 75 , 76 , 78 ].…”