Perceptions of Other Internet Users in Delusional Beliefs: Development and Validation of a New Measure of Online Social Cognition

Abstract

Since the inception of the internet, research has attempted to describe its effects on a wide variety of psychological constructs, such as personality and psychopathology. Although studies have found associations between internet usage and different psychological disorders, few studies have investigated the relationship between internet use and psychosis. This is due, in part, to an absence of measures that target beliefs or behaviors of individuals with psychosis-spectrum disorders in an online context. The aim of the current study was to develop and establish psychometric properties of a questionnaire examining impressions of other internet users. This was accomplished in three studies. In Study 1, undergraduate participants responded to an online survey consisting of several open-ended questions regarding their impressions of other internet users and social media users. Responses were then coded into items to comprise a 71-item questionnaire termed the Impressions of Internet Users scale (IIUS). This scale was administered to a new sample in Study 2. Exploratory factor analysis suggested a three-factor model provided the best fit to the data and guided the removal of 37 items. In Study 3, a three-factor model with the remaining 34 items was supported via confirmatory factor analysis, with the three factors representing Internet/Reality Incongruency, Global Negative Impressions, and Global Positive Impressions. Convergent and divergent validity was demonstrated in correlations between the IIUS factors and additional measures of internet usage, personality, psychopathology, and social cognition. This program of research thus provides initial psychometric support for a new measure of online social cognition. This measure may have implications for understanding attitudes toward other internet users in the general population, as well as negative or distorted impressions that may shape the content of delusional thoughts in individuals with psychosis.