Brain Rot: A Scale Development Study

Abstract

In this research, it was aimed to develop a valid and reliable measurement tool to determine the brain rot levels of individuals. The research study group was formed by selecting among the Alpha generation individuals who are accepted to use social media more intensively. In the scale development process, draft scale development, EFA, CFA, test-retest, and known group validity methods were used. Cronbach's Alpha and McDonald's Omega coefficients were calculated for the reliability analyses of the scale. According to the findings obtained as a result of the analyses, the scale consists of four dimensions and 18 items. The scale dimensions are cognitive load, cognitive fatigue, emulation, and depersonalization. The fit indices of the structure obtained with CFA are acceptable and good fit level. Cronbach's Alpha and McDonald's Omega coefficients calculated for the reliability of the scale are above 0.70. According to the methods of test-retest and known group validity methods, the developed scale makes measurements that are stable and can distinguish different groups. As a result of all analyses, it was determined that the developed brain rot scale is a valid and reliable measurement tool.

Keywords

• Brain rot
• Cognitive load
• Scale development

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