Short Version of the Social Networks Addiction Risk Questionnaire (CARS-R): Theoretical and Psychometric Review of the Questionnaire

Abstract

The study aims to develop and show the psychometric properties of the Short Version of the Social Networks Addiction Risk Questionnaire. For this purpose, two samples were collected; the first sample comprised 367 adults of both sexes (24.8% male and 75.2% female) between 18 and 43. The second sample consisted of 1,719 adults of both sexes (38.3% male and 61.7% female) between 18 and 59. The Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS) was applied along with the brief questionnaire. In the first sample, a brief questionnaire consisting of nine items representing the nine criteria adapted from the DSM-5 and ICD-11 was developed. The one-dimensional model showed adequate fit indices. In the second sample, the one-dimensional model continued to present adequate fit indices (χ2 = 216.29; df = 27; RMSEA =.064 [IC90%.056 –.072]; CFI =.99; TLI =.99). From the IRT perspective, the nine items present adequate discrimination and difficulty indices. The scale also demonstrated evidence of being strictly invariant for all specific groups. Finally, it was found that addiction to social networks significantly predicts the level of anxiety associated with COVID-19. It is concluded that CARS-R is a helpful tool that allows obtaining valid and reliable interpretations about addiction to social networks. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.