Digital Flourishing: Conceptualizing and Assessing Positive Perceptions of Mediated Social Interactions

Sophie H. Janicke-Bowles (), Tess M. Buckley (), Rikishi Rey (), Tayah Wozniak (), Adrian Meier () and Anna Lomanowska ()
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Sophie H. Janicke-Bowles: Chapman University
Tess M. Buckley: Chapman University
Rikishi Rey: Clemson University
Tayah Wozniak: Concordia University Irvine
Adrian Meier: Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nurnberg
Anna Lomanowska: Toronto General Hospital University Health Network

Journal of Happiness Studies, 2023, vol. 24, issue 3, No 6, 1013-1035

Abstract: Abstract Recent research started to apply concepts of well-being to the context of computer mediated communication (e.g., social media, instant messaging). While much research investigates negative perceptions of mediated social interactions (e.g., “problematic” or “addictive” social media use), a multi-dimensional measure that taps into users? positive perceptions is sorely lacking. The present research therefore develops the first comprehensive measure of digital flourishing, defined as positive perceptions of mediated social interactions. Building on a qualitative pre-study that aided the construction of the Digital Flourishing Scale (DFS), Study 1 (N = 474) employed exploratory factor analysis to reveal five subdimensions of digital flourishing. The preregistered Study 2 (N = 438) confirmed these five dimensions, yielding five reliable items per subscale and initial construct validity with three psychological needs from self-determination theory (SDT; competence, autonomy, relatedness) which were used as an underlying well-being framework for the development of the DFS. The preregistered Study 3 generated further construct validity by directly relating DFS to well-being. The scale is relevant for researchers and practitioners alike to better understand how users perceive their mediated interactions to impact mental health and well-being.

Keywords: Computer mediated communication (CMC); Well-being; Flourishing; Scale development; Self-determination theory (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1007/s10902-023-00619-5

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