Researching RC vehicle broadcasting on social media in the context of new public diplomacy

This thesis comprehensively examines the positioning of radio-controlled (RC) vehicles as culturally qualified social actors in the context of human-computer interaction and how this positioning can offer an innovative model for Türkiye's new public diplomacy. Technology's transformation from a traditional tool into an active subject in cultural interactions enables RC vehicles to attract international attention through action, attraction, reaction, and interaction-based digital storytelling. The research examines a total of 75 videos from two international YouTube channels, Kael Schoerlin and Robot Gary, and the Turbo Truck channel operating in Türkiye. The examination process was carried out using a three-stage method. First, Reactive Interaction Analysis was used to evaluate the dramatic framework of RC vehicle actions. In the second stage, Attention Strategy Analysis was applied to examine attention-grabbing strategies. Finally, data structuring was completed with the Descriptive Analysis process, which systematically classified 750 user comments. The analyses conducted show that RC vehicles generate positive emotions, empathy, entertainment, and cultural curiosity in viewers. While international channels offer a stronger story foundation and characterization, the Turbo Truck channel has developed a gamified performance style based on local cultural codes. These findings significantly reveal the impact of RC vehicles on their audience and their role in cultural representation processes. The thesis's conclusions include some cultural observations and practical recommendations on how RC vehicles can be used as an innovative public diplomacy tool for Türkiye's cultural representation. The capacity of RC vehicles to carry cultural content, create digital stories, and generate positive reactions has the potential to increase diplomatic impact. In this context, the thesis presents the conceptual and methodological foundations of a new cultural diplomacy model based on RC vehicles, drawing a comprehensive framework for the applicability of this model.