Development and validation of a digital burnout scale in artificial intelligence era.

Introduction: The rapid adoption of AI-driven digital technologies in higher education has intensified students' exposure to digital demands, increasing the risk of digital burnout. Existing research lacks validated instruments that capture the multidimensional nature of digital burnout in AI-enhanced learning environments. This study aimed to develop and validate a comprehensive Digital Burnout Scale for college students, grounded in the Stressor-Strain-Outcome (SSO) model and Conservation of Resources (COR) theory. Methods: Using a multi-stage mixed-methods design, the study first conducted qualitative interviews to generate item pools, followed by large-scale survey data for quantitative validation. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed to establish construct validity, supplemented by reliability testing and model comparison. Results and discussion: Findings supported a six-dimension structure of digital burnout: Digital Aging, Emotional Exhaustion, Cognitive Overload, Cognitive Dissonance, Digital Deprivation, and Behavioral Addictions. All dimensions demonstrated satisfactory convergent and discriminant validity, indicating strong psychometric robustness of the scale. The scale provides a reliable and theory-driven tool for assessing student digital burnout in the AI era. It offers practical value for educators and administrators seeking to identify high-risk groups and design targeted interventions.