Development of the Multi-Dimensional Measure of Online Disinhibition and examination of its validity and reliability

Abstract

This study aimed to develop the Multi-Dimensional Measure of Online Disinhibition (MMOD), which has a multi-dimensional perspective on online disinhibitive psychological states and related cognitions, and to evaluate its validity and reliability. In Study 1, 73 items related to online disinhibition were generated from 20 semi-structured interviews. The wording of the items was modified repeatedly according to two preliminary surveys to construct a 25-item preliminary MMOD. In Study 2, 4- and 3-factor solutions were compared using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Finally, a 3-factor structure (unique perspective on online environment, change of alienation cognition, and change of relationship cognition) with 12 items of the MMOD was confirmed. Correlation analysis with scales from previous studies showed that MMOD has good validity.