A reappraisal of technology-based disorders and their relationship with attitudes toward the Metaverse

The primary objective of this study was to develop a comprehensive measurement tool for the reappraisal of technology-based discomfort and to design an original scale to measure individuals' attitudes toward the Metaverse based on their mental imagery. Furthermore, the mediating role of cognitive flexibility in the relationship between these two variables was tested using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The research consisted of two stages. In the first stage, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was conducted with data collected from students at Aydın Adnan Menderes University. For this stage, data were collected from 122 participants for the Metaverse Attitude Scale and from 282 participants for the Technology-Based Discomfort Checklist. In the second stage, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), validity, and reliability analyses were conducted, followed by SEM with 231 students at Aydın Adnan Menderes University, who had an average age of 22.22 years. Data collection tools included a demographic information form, the two developed scales a psychological well-being scale, a technology attitude scale, and a cognitive flexibility inventory. The research findings revealed that both developed scales are valid and reliable measurement tools. According to structural equation modeling results, technology-based discomfort significantly and positively affects positive attitudes toward the Metaverse. Additionally, technology-based discomfort was found to negatively affect cognitive flexibility, while cognitive flexibility positively affects positive attitudes toward the Metaverse. Mediation analysis indicated that cognitive flexibility partially and negatively mediated the relationship between these two variables, thereby weakening this relationship. The findings were discussed in line with the relevant literature, the limitations and contributions of the study were evaluated, and recommendations for future research were presented.