Cited by 751Impact of Technology on AdolescentsCyberloafing and Workplace BehaviorSexuality, Behavior, and Technology

Validation of a new scale for measuring problematic Internet use: Implications for pre-employment screening

Davis, Richard A., Flett, Gordon L., Besser, Avi·2002·CyberPsychology & Behavior

Abstract

The current study introduced a theory-driven, multidimensional measure of problematic Internet use: the Online Cognition Scale (OCS). Undergraduate students (n = 211) in an industrial/organizational psychology course completed the OCS, along with measures of procrastination, rejection sensitivity, loneliness, depression, and impulsivity. A confirmatory factor analysis indicated that problematic Internet use consists of four dimensions: diminished impulse control, loneliness/depression, social comfort, and distraction. As hypothesized, the OCS predicted all of the study variables in the expected directions. Representing a departure from previous research in this area, the current article focused on procrastination, impulsivity, and social rejection as key elements of problematic Internet use. Furthermore, interactive applications (e.g., chat) were most related to problematic Internet use, and scores on the OCS predicted being reprimanded at school or work for inappropriate Internet use. As a result, the utility of the OCS for both clinical assessment of Internet addiction and as an organizational preemployment screening measure to identify potential employees who are likely to abuse the Internet in the workplace (also known as "cyberslacking") were discussed.

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Crossref · 10.1089/109493102760275581

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Authors
Davis, R. A., Flett, G. L., & Besser, A.
Affiliations
  • York University (CA)
  • Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, Canada.
Venue
CyberPsychology & Behavior
Published
2002-08
Volume
5
Issue
4
Pages
331-345
ISSN
  • 1094-9313 (ISSN-L)
  • 1557-8364
OpenAlex
W2086020439
Cited by
750
References
56
Citations by year
2026: 9 · 2025: 19 · 2024: 32 · 2023: 34 · 2022: 59 · 2021: 47 · 2020: 50 · 2019: 39 · 2018: 36 · 2017: 37 · 2016: 45 · 2015: 51 · 2014: 49 · 2013: 41 · 2012: 50
FWCI
18.15
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • CyberPsychology & Behavior (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Impact of Technology on Adolescents
  • Social Sciences › Demography › Cyberloafing and Workplace Behavior
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Sexuality, Behavior, and Technology
Keywords
problematic internet use, internet addiction, pre-employment screening, cyberloafing, procrastination, impulsivity, rejection sensitivity, loneliness, depression, distraction, online chat, scale validation, workplace internet use
MeSH terms
Adult, Cognition, Decision Making, Organizational, Employment, Factor Analysis, Statistical, Female, Humans, Impulsive Behavior, Male, Personnel Selection, Surveys and Questionnaires, Reproducibility of Results, Behavior, Addictive, Internet

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