An investigation of the factors influencing adult individuals' perceptions and emotional states toward Syrians

The aim of this study is to examine how adult individuals' perceptions of people who have migrated from Syria to Turkey for various reasons are shaped in the context of their social media usage patterns, emotional states, and levels of cognitive flexibility. In this regard, the study investigates how digital practices—such as frequency and competence in social media use—as well as individuals' emotional (positive/negative) and cognitive characteristics influence their perceptions of immigrants across dimensions such as perceiving immigrants as dangerous, social exclusion, social inclusion, and humanitarianism. A total of 333 participants (225 women and 108 men) between the ages of 18 and 65 took part in the study. Participants completed the Personal Information Form, the Immigrant Perception Scale, the Social Media Usage Practices Scale, the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), and the Cognitive Flexibility Inventory. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple hierarchical regression analyses were employed in the data analysis. Being male, feeling like a minority, and following news on social media were found to predict negative attitudes toward immigrants, whereas having a Syrian friend and international experience were associated with more positive attitudes. Social media use—particularly TikTok and Instagram—was linked to negative perceptions. Individuals with high cognitive flexibility exhibited more humanitarian but less socially inclusive attitudes. Educational level, socio-economic status, affect, and social media competence also significantly influenced perceptions of immigrants.