The binge scrolling scale measures excessive scrolling through a validated three-factor structure

Abstract

In this present study, we developed and validated the Binge Scrolling Scale (BSS) to assess excessive scrolling behavior on digital platforms. Following a systematic framework, we conducted the scale development process in nine steps. We first defined the construct based on a comprehensive literature review and generated an initial pool of 20 items, which was refined to 16 items after eliminating redundancy. A 5-point Likert-type scale was adopted, and a pilot study (N = 21) confirmed the clarity and appropriateness of the response options. Content validity was evaluated by 12 experts using a standard method, leading to the exclusion of three items and revision of one item. Cognitive interviews with a pilot sample supported item clarity and interpretability, with 96% inter-coder agreement. We assessed social desirability bias using two items from the Marlowe-Crowne Scale in a sample of 149 participants; low correlations indicated minimal bias. The scale was then administered to three independent samples, for exploratory factor analysis (EFA) (N = 262), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) (N = 233), and criterion-related validity (N = 222). EFA revealed a three-factor structure-automatic scrolling, negative outcomes, and loss of control-and resulted in a final 12-item version after removing one item with a low loading. CFA confirmed the structure with good model fit. The BSS showed significant positive correlations with other relevant scales, supporting criterion validity. Reliability analyses across all samples indicated high internal consistency (alpha = 0.83-0.92; omega = 0.82-0.92). These findings suggest that the 12-item BSS is a valid and reliable measure of compulsive binge scrolling.