Digital maturity: Development and validation of the Digital Maturity Inventory (DIMI)

Abstract

Building on research of psychosocial maturity and self-determination theory, we introduced and investigated the concept of digital maturity as a novel view on young people's digital technology use. We conceptualized digital maturity as the self-determined use of digital technologies supporting psychological growth and well-being while shielding potential threats and considering needs of the social environment. To measure digital maturity, we developed the Digital Maturity Inventory (DIMI). In Study 1 (N = 390, age 12–18), we developed and selected items for the ten dimensions based on an exploratory factor analysis. In Study 2 (N = 558, age 12–18), we examined the scale's factor structure and internal consistency using confirmatory factor analysis, and tested the convergent, discriminant, and incremental validity. The results confirmed that digital maturity is linked to personality maturity (agreeableness, conscientiousness, negative emotionality), and a hierarchical linear regression analysis revealed the unique influence of digital maturity in predicting problematic mobile device use beyond individual differences in personality, age, and amount of mobile device use.