Validation of a Digital Literacy Model for the Optimal Use of Foreign Social Networks with Emphasis on Cultural and Cognitive Challenges

Abstract

This study aimed to validate a digital literacy model for the optimal use of foreign social networks with emphasis on cultural and cognitive challenges among students of Islamic Azad University, Najafabad Branch. This quantitative study was developmental-applied in purpose and descriptive-correlational and cross-sectional in design. The statistical population consisted of students of Islamic Azad University, Najafabad Branch, of whom 400 participated in the study. Data were collected using an 83-item researcher-developed questionnaire comprising 51 items on digital literacy, 14 items on outcomes of optimal foreign social network use, 12 items on cultural challenges, and 6 items on cognitive challenges. Face and content validity were assessed by experts using CVR and CVI, and reliability was confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha. Data were analyzed using SPSS and SmartPLS 3 through measurement and structural model assessment. Composite reliability values ranged from 0.934 to 0.982 and average variance extracted values ranged from 0.521 to 0.701. All HTMT values were below 0.90, supporting discriminant validity. The R² value for optimal-use outcomes was 0.787 and Q²_predict was 0.764. Digital literacy had a significant positive effect on optimal-use outcomes (β=0.768, t=3.619, p<0.001), whereas cultural challenges (β=-0.392, t=3.148, p<0.001) and cognitive challenges (β=-0.299, t=2.512, p<0.001) had significant negative effects. The proposed model demonstrated satisfactory validity, reliability, explanatory power, and predictive relevance. Enhancing digital literacy while reducing cultural and cognitive challenges may substantially improve the optimal use of foreign social networks among university students.