Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Validation of the Indonesian Online Cognition Scale (OCS)

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Jakarta – Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Validation in the Indonesian Online Cognition Scale (OCS). This research was conducted by Imam Nurcahyo Fambudi together with Muhammad Farhan Dhifa Akbar, Nanda Darajulia, Resha Mutiaramadhani, Tri Yuliyanti, and Fadillah Suwarno from the Master of Psychology Program, Paramadina University, which will be published in the East Asian Journal of Multidisciplinary Research in 2026.

Research conducted by Imam Nurcahyo Fambudi together with Muhammad Farhan Dhifa Akbar, Nanda Darajulia, Resha Mutiaramadhani, Tri Yuliyanti, and Fadillah Suwarno revealed that the increase in internet use and concern about digital addiction, especially among college students and young adults in urban areas.

From Four Dimensions to Two

The research team involved 317 respondents aged 18–40 years in the Greater Jakarta area. The adaptation process is carried out through forward and back translation, expert assessment, readability tests, and thorough statistical testing.

The results of the analysis showed significant structural changes. Of the original 36 items, 23 items remain that meet psychometric standards. The four initial dimensions of OCS—Loneliness/Depression, Diminished Impulse Control, Distraction, and Social Comfort—converge into two main dimensions:

Reality Substitution
Describes the tendency of individuals to use the internet as a substitute for reality. The internet is perceived to be more convenient, safer, and more satisfying than real life.
Preoccupation & Loss of Control
Describes obsession with online activity and difficulty controlling internet use.

The overall reliability of the scale is very high with Cronbach's Alpha value of 0.902. The Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) test shows that this two-dimensional model has an adequate level of suitability for use in the Indonesian context

The Internet as a Social Safe Space

The important findings of this study show that in the context of Indonesian culture, the internet often functions as an alternative space to express oneself without the pressure of direct social norms. Individuals feel more welcome, freer, and more comfortable when interacting online.

This phenomenon is related to the character of Indonesian society which tends to be collectivist, maintain norms of politeness, and avoid open conflict. The digital world provides a space for expression that is considered safer than face-to-face interaction.

On the other hand, academic and work pressures in big cities also encourage the use of the internet as an escape mechanism from stress. When this use is uncontrollable, there is a strong cognitive attachment to the online world.

Three Key Research Findings

The study noted three main points:

The cognitive structure of internet addiction in Indonesia is simpler, integrated in two main dimensions.
Cultural factors influence the way individuals interpret and use the internet.
The cognitive aspect—not just the duration of use—is at the heart of problematic behavior.

These findings confirm that internet addiction is not just a matter of screen time, but a matter of mindset and self-regulation.

Implications for Education and Mental Health

The Indonesian version of the OCS instrument can be used for:

Early screening of internet addiction in college students
Digital mental health research
Preparation of cognitive restructuring-based intervention programs
Strengthening self-control in the educational environment

With psychometrically tested measuring tools, counselors and psychologists can conduct more accurate and contextual assessments. The researchers also recommend further research to test the predictive validity of OCS against other mental health indicators as well as test the consistency of the measuring tool in a broader population group

Author Profile

• Imam Nurcahyo Fambudi– Paramadina University.

• Muhammad Farhan Dhifa Akbar – Paramadina University.

• Nanda Darajulia – Paramadina University.

• Resha Mutiaramadhani –Paramadina University

• Tri Yuliyanti – Paramadina University.

• Fadillah Suwarno – Paramadina University.

Research Source

Fambudi, I. N., Akbar, M. F. D., Darajulia, N., Mutiaramadhani, R., Yuliyanti, T., & Suwarno, F. (2026). Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Validation of the Indonesian Version of the Online Cognition Scale (OCS).

East Asian Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (EAJMR), Vol. 5 No. 2, pp. 727–744.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/eajmr.v5i2.32

Official URL : https://journaleajmr.my.id/index.php/eajmr