Development and initial validation of the metaverse worry inventory

Abstract

Concern over the rapidly evolving metaverse is growing, leading to the development of the "metaverse worry". Therefore, the purpose of this study is to develop an appropriate psychometric instrument to measure metaverse worry. The Metaverse Worry Inventory (MWI) was developed through two studies (N = 672). In Study 1, rigorous processes including item analysis, exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis revealed two reliable factors for the 10-item inventory: negative belief and negative feeling. The MWI had excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.89) and medium test-retest reliability (r = 0.62). In study 2, good criterion-related validity of the MWI was confirmed by examining the MWI's relationship with intolerance of uncertainty and Big Five personality. The MWI captured the latent variables of metaverse worry and is essential for promoting metaverse development and alleviating worries.