Development of the NOPAPEN digital conscience scale and examination of its psychometric properties
CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY, cilt.45, sa.20, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 45 Sayı: 20
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s12144-026-10113-9
- Dergi Adı: CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, IBZ Online, BIOSIS, Psycinfo, Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Business Source Ultimate (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest), Sociology Source Ultimate (EBSCO)
- Bursa Uludağ Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Digital conscience became more visible in the public sphere after being selected as the "Concept of the Year" by the Turkish Language Association (TDK) in 2025. It has been defined as a phenomenon in which individuals experience a sense of moral relief through symbolic actions in digital environments, such as liking and sharing content. However, these actions often replace genuine individual and societal responsibilities. This study aimed to develop the NOPAPEN Digital Conscience Scale and to examine its psychometric properties to assess individuals' moral responses in digital environments. The study used a methodological research design, and data were collected from 741 participants across different sample groups. Content validity of the scale was evaluated using the Lawshe technique. Construct validity was examined through Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Reliability of the scale was assessed using Cronbach's alpha, McDonald's omega, and test-retest methods. In addition, convergent validity, discriminant validity, criterion validity, measurement invariance, and group-difference analyses were conducted. The analyses revealed that the scale had a two-factor structure with 11 items. The factors were labeled Moral Substitution and Symbolic Conscience. The two-factor structure explained 69.6% of the total variance. CFA results indicated that the model demonstrated acceptable goodness-of-fit indices. The overall Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the scale was 0.94. At the same time, the McDonald's omega coefficient was also found to be 0.94. Results related to convergent and discriminant validity supported the construct validity of the scale. Measurement invariance analyses indicated that the scale measured the same construct across gender and social media usage duration groups. Criterion validity analyses demonstrated positive and significant relationships between digital conscience and social media addiction. In conclusion, the NOPAPEN Digital Conscience Scale was found to be a valid and reliable instrument for evaluating individuals' moral responses in digital environments.