Assessment of public perception towards unmanned aerial vehicles in Türkiye

UAV technology is increasingly impacting many areas of social life due to its widespread use across various sectors nowadays. In addition, how UAV technology is perceived by society plays a critical role in its development process. The aim of this study is to evaluate the public perception of UAVs in Türkiye using a multidimensional approach. The research investigates sub-dimensions of public perception, including individuals' awareness, expectations, experiences, privacy and security concerns, and attitudes towards the regulatory framework related to UAVs. Data were collected from 400 participants using a survey method. An original scale was developed to measure the public perception of UAVs, and validity and reliability analyses were conducted. The study found statistically significant differences in perception among participants based on demographic variables such as gender and occupation, as well as descriptive information related to UAVs. Specifically, male participants, engineers, those holding UAV pilot certificates, those intending to obtain such certificates, and those aware of institutions offering these certificates exhibited more positive perceptions of UAVs. In contrast, no statistically significant differences were observed regarding perception based on age or education level. Overall, participants showed a generally positive attitude towards UAVs but expressed some concerns about privacy and security, with the highest approval given to search and rescue operations as an application area. In conclusion, this study provides a theoretical framework for the literature on public perception of UAVs and contributes methodologically by developing an original measurement scale. The findings offer guidance for policy development processes and practitioners.