Public Opinion Research Articles

A Cognitive Analysis of The Israeli Narratives of Victimization in Gaza wars

Victimization narratives are a significant factor in the Gaza war. Israel, with all military power, shows itself as a victim in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Fake Stories, whether intentionally created or inadvertently spread, can significantly impact international public opinion. It affects policy decisions, influences public support, and contributes to the perpetuation of the conflict. The researcher employs a cognitive model in a mixed method to analyze ten Israeli narratives that were presented in media reports, TV stations, and social platforms during the period from 6 June 2017 to 15 February 2024. Recognizing the cognitive semantics of victimization narratives helps observers determine reporters' goals and reduces potential adverse effects. The use of qualitative and quantitative analysis has found that the Israeli victimization narrative has specific aspects of cognitive semantics following Lakoff & Johnson's conceptual metaphor theory (1980), Kövecses (2020). It also has found that Israel gained different goals throughout the victimization narratives; the most frequent goals are to shape public opinion, attain emotional response, justify the war against Gaza, Enhance Jewish identity, marginalize Palestine, and prejudice Hamas

Digital Diplomacy Strategy to Win Indonesian Papuan Opinion for National Resilience

This paper examines the role of digital diplomacy in countering the propaganda of the Free West Papua movement, which poses a significant threat to Indonesia's national resilience. The study highlights how the Free West Papua movement leverages digital platforms to gain international support and shape public opinion. By analyzing the strategies employed by both the Free West Papua movement and the Indonesian government, this research aims to provide insights into effective counter-propaganda measures through digital diplomacy. This research uses a qualitative descriptive method with an analytical approach, with a focus on the concept of national resilience, threat analysis, and adaptation strategies in the context of digital diplomacy. The findings indicate that the Indonesian government's digital diplomacy efforts need to be enhanced to effectively counter the narratives propagated by the Free West Papua movement. This study proposes a comprehensive digital diplomacy strategy that includes proactive measures to disseminate positive information about Papua, counter misinformation, and engage with international stakeholders. This research contributes to the field of digital diplomacy and national security by providing valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners involved in safeguarding Indonesia's national interests.

Semantic-based topic model for public opinion analysis in sudden-onset disasters

Semantic-based topic model for public opinion analysis in sudden-onset disasters

Mining and Analyzing the Evolution of Public Opinion in Extreme Disaster Events from Social Media: A Case Study of the 2022 Yingde Flood in China

Mining and Analyzing the Evolution of Public Opinion in Extreme Disaster Events from Social Media: A Case Study of the 2022 Yingde Flood in China

Framing Affects Support for the Development of Artificial Intelligence in the United States

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to advance health care, industrial productivity, and environmental sustainability but also presents risks such as job loss and uncontrolled superintelligent machines. Understanding public opinion about AI is key for anticipating its governance. This study examines how media framing affects U.S. beliefs about AI and support for its development. A survey experiment involved respondents reading articles highlighting either AI’s benefits or risks, revealing how such information can influence opinion on AI’s societal impacts. The findings emphasize the crucial role of framing in shaping public views on AI, with implications for policymakers and stakeholders.

An improved reptile search algorithm-based machine learning for sentiment analysis

The rapid growth of mobile technologies has transformed social media, making it crucial for expressing emotions and thoughts. When making significant decisions, businesses and governments can benefit from understanding public opinion. This information makes sentiment analysis vital for understanding public sentiment polarity. This study develops a hyper tuned deep learning model with swarm intelligence and many approaches for sentiment analysis. convolutional neural network (CNN), bidirectional encoder representations from transformers (BERT), long short-term memory (LSTM), CNN-LSTM, BERT-LSTM, and BERT-CNN are the six deep learning models of the sentiment analysis using deep learning with reinforced learning based on reptile search algorithm (SA-DLRLRSA) model. The reptile search algorithm, an enhanced swarm intelligence algorithm (SIA), optimizes deep learning model hyper parameters. Word2Vec word embedding is used to convert textual input sequences to representative embedding spaces. Pre-trained Word2Vec embedding is also used to address issue of unbalanced datasets. Experimental results demonstrate that the SA-DLRLRSA model works best with accuracies of 93.1%, 94.7%, 96.8%, 96.3%, 97.2%, and 98.3% utilizing CNN, LSTM, BERT, CNN-LSTM, BERT-CNN, and BERT-LSTM.

POMM: A public opinion management model integrating network game and opinion dynamics for social networks

POMM: A public opinion management model integrating network game and opinion dynamics for social networks

Representation Of The Turkish Government in Palestinian-Israel War News On Hürriyet.com: A Discourse Analysis

This study analyzes the representation of the Turkish government in news published on Hürriyet.com during May 2024, following the Gaza events of 7 October 2023. Using Norman Fairclough's critical discourse analysis, the research examines text (micro), discursive practice (meso), and social practice (macro) dimensions. At the micro level, the study identifies the use of formal diplomatic terms like güven mektubu (letter of credentials) and büyükelçi (ambassador), as well as emotionally charged diction and complex sentence structures that blend formality with criticism of Israeli policies. At the meso level, the online platform facilitates broad information dissemination to shape public opinion and bolster Turkish diplomacy under Erdoğan’s leadership. At the macro level, the coverage reveals a bias favoring Palestine and critiquing Israel, reflecting Türkiye’s political stance. The findings highlight Hürriyet.com's role in portraying Türkiye as a supporter of human rights and international justice, reinforcing its positive image domestically and globally.

New Beginnings: Exploring Agricultural Communications Curriculum Development in Ontario

While agricultural communications programs are staples in American higher education, no comparable program exists in any Canadian institution. As North American nations, Canadian and American agriculture face similar challenges such as increasingly skeptical public opinion and decreasing agricultural literacy. This study focuses on the flagship agricultural institution in Canada as a potential base for a new agricultural communications program and highlights the opinions of two key stakeholders, agricultural students at the institution, and agricultural industry professionals in Ontario. Following a curriculum development framework by Wolf (2007), stakeholders detailed suggested program formatting, ideal core curriculum content, traits of the ideal graduate, and desired opportunities and experiences provided by such a program. Results found that stakeholders upheld the program teaching a variety of communication skills, social skills, and providing networking and co-op opportunities. Participants upheld the value of the program, noting that a major and particularly a minor option are ideal to introduce the program to as many students as possible, even those outside of agriculture. This study serves as an important step for future Canadian or North American curriculum development initiatives and seeks to fill the literature gap for agricultural communications curriculum development outside of the United States.

Gaya Bicara dan Pemilihan Kata dalam Dakwah Ustadzah Halimah Alaydrus pada Vlog Berjudul "Dunia Masih Indah Selama Ada Rasulullah”

A person's speaking style is a manifestation of various individual characteristics that influence the way they convey messages and influence their listeners. This research method is descriptive qualitative. The data source for this research is Ustadzah Halimah Alaydrus's Da'wah Vlog entitled "The World is Still Beautiful as Long as There is a Rasulullah". Data collection techniques in this research used listening and note-taking techniques. This research aims to explore various aspects of Ustazah Halimah Alaydrus' speech style and language style in the context of argument formation, emotional expression, and influence on public opinion on the YouTube platform. The primary focus is to understand how these rhetorical elements play a role in conveying important messages effectively. Keywords: Rhetoric, Style of Speech, Style of Language

An investigation of the factors associated with public trust in the Sierra Leone Police

The stability and legitimacy of police institutions rely heavily on public confidence in law enforcement. In Sierra Leone, the public's trust in the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has been influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including colonial history, post-conflict issues, economic disparities, and ongoing accountability concerns. Despite efforts to implement reforms and initiatives like community policing, public opinion of the SLP remains divided, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive examination of trust-influencing factors. While existing studies emphasize the importance of police effectiveness, procedural fairness, openness, and responsibility, there are still gaps in understanding how these elements interact in post-conflict environments. This research utilizes a quantitative methodology, employing a cross-sectional survey to gather data from 169 SLP personnel across various ranks and departments. Using structured questionnaires, the study assessed perceptions of police performance, community policing efforts, and media impact. The data was then analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) through SmartPLS. Findings reveal that police performance is a crucial factor in fostering public trust, with transparency and accountability also playing significant roles. Community policing initiatives showed limited success due to implementation difficulties, while media portrayals considerably shaped public perception. Ongoing issues such as corruption and historical grievances continued to undermine trust. These results emphasize the necessity for targeted reforms addressing corruption, enhancing transparency, and improving community engagement. To rebuild trust and promote collaboration between law enforcement and the public in Sierra Leone, it is essential to strengthen media strategies and effectively implement community policing initiatives.

P-1444. Impacts of LGBT Equality Index and 2016 UN Resolution Vote on AIDS-Related Mortality

Abstract Background Stigma surrounding HIV has been well-described as a barrier to HIV care engagement. Much of this arises from a belief that only certain groups of people can get HIV as well as public opinion and government policies toward LGBT people. Recognizing the effects of discriminatory laws against individuals based on sexual orientation and gender identity, the United Nations Human Rights Council adopted resolution A/HRC/RES/32/2 in 2016, deploring acts of violence and discrimination based on these traits. Our study had two aims: first, to assess if a country’s AIDS-related mortality differed based on how the country voted on the 2016 resolution and, second, to describe whether greater legal protection of LGBT rights was associated with reduced AIDS-related mortality. Methods We used HIV prevalence and mortality estimates in men aged 15-49 from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 to determine the case fatality rate for men aged 15-49 living with HIV by country. To estimate the legal protection of LGBT rights, we utilized the Equaldex Equality Index, a publicly available rating from 0 to 100 describing LGBT legal protections and public opinion by country, with higher values reflecting greater equality. We then performed multivariate log-linear regression to describe the relationship between a country’s AIDS-related mortality among men 15-49 and that country’s Equality Index and vote on the 2016 resolution, adjusted for WHO region. Results AIDS-related fatality rate was available for 204 countries/territories, an Equality Index was available for 196 countries, and 47 countries voted. In the countries that voted in favor, there was a 65% (95% CI 43-79%, p< .001) relative risk reduction in AIDS-related fatality rate. When adjusted for WHO region, the relative risk reduction was 72% (95% CI 35-88%, p< .06). Assessing the impact of the Equality Index, multivariate log-linear analysis adjusting for region showed that for every 1 point increase there was a 1.6% (CI 1.2-2.0%, p< 0.001) relative risk reduction in AIDS-related fatality rate. Conclusion The results of this study support the hypothesis that increasing LGBT legal protection can improve HIV care engagement. It also highlights the significant impact public opinion and government policies toward LGBT people has on AIDS-related mortality. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Konstruksi Realitas Arogansi Patwal di Platform Digital: Analisis Framing Pemberitaan Kasus Patwal RI 36 di Media Online

This study aims to analyze the construction of the reality of the arrogance of RI 36 Patwal officers on digital platforms through a framing analysis approach. Using a descriptive qualitative method, this research examines how social media and online reporting shape public perceptions of the incident. The data collected were narratives, news articles, posts, and comments on social media related to the patwal arrogance incident. The analysis was conducted using the agih method to examine framing elements, such as syntactic structure, vocabulary, and rhetoric in the text that lead to the formation of public opinion. The results showed that the framing formed by social media and online news was more dominant towards a negative perception of Patwal officers, highlighting arrogant actions as a symbol of abuse of power. Despite clarification efforts from related parties, the public opinion formed through the initial framing remains difficult to change. This research reveals how framing on digital platforms has a major influence in shaping social reality and perceptions of the actions of state apparatus.

Public attitudes towards sustainable development in a changing world: evidence from COVID-19

The impact of major global events on public attitudes towards sustainable development is crucial for shaping global public policy. This paper explores this relationship by examining how COVID-19 has affected public attitudes towards sustainability. We analyzed data from an online survey of 23,895 respondents across China in February 2020 to study the relationship between the severity of the pandemic and public attitudes, as well as the underlying dynamics, including the mediating roles of government intervention and media trust. Our findings indicate a significant negative correlation between the severity of COVID-19 and Chinese public attitudes towards sustainable development, particularly among employees, females, younger individuals, and those with a college degree or above. We further find that public interventions (i.e. governmental regulations) promote a positive shift in attitude through mediating effects. We also discover that an individual’s trust in public media plays a role in mediating the effect between individual exposure to media and a supportive attitude towards sustainable development. This study deepens our understanding of how public attitudes change in response to major events, providing valuable insights into the interplay between global events and public opinion on sustainability.

Misinformation: Analysing the Role of Fact-Checking in Countering Communal and Political Narratives During the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections in India

The surge of misinformation and disinformation during elections poses a significant risk to democratic processes globally, especially in India. This study analyses the efficacy of fact-checking programs and the public's opinion of these efforts within the framework of Indian elections. The study used a mixed-methods methodology to analyse data from notable fact-checking platform, like Alt news concentrating on the six months prior to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The study categorizes these events into communal and non-communal narratives, demonstrating how misinformation exacerbates societal divisions, shapes voter perceptions, and undermines political and economic stability. The paper advocates for cooperative efforts among governments, social media platforms, and the public to combat misinformation, improve media literacy, and protect democratic principles.

Mobilizing for Reproductive Justice: Activists’ Perspectives on Fighting Abortion Stigma and Creating Social Transformation

Recent moves by the majority of U.S. states to restrict abortion rights marked a new stage in the movement for reproductive justice, the intersectional human rights framework inaugurated by Black feminists in the 1990s. Political organizing to engage voters and shift public opinion in favor of abortion rights implicates a number of key psychological processes, including prejudice and intergroup contact, despite a relative lack of attention to abortion stigma in mainstream psychology. Moreover, research on campaigns’ capacity to shift voter attitudes has largely focused on how such campaigns influence their targets; that is, potential voters. As part of a long-term collaboration with a statewide sexual and reproductive health advocacy group in Tennessee, we interviewed 18 canvassers who participated in a form of canvassing that focuses on dialogue and perspective-taking, rather than argumentation. These canvassers were trained in the reproductive justice framework and conducted hundreds of conversations in the months leading up to the landmark Dobbs decision. Thematic and situational analyses of our interviews yielded insight into how canvassers understand abortion stigma's multidimensional effects and the impact of deep values conversations on their own political views and life histories, as well as how political organizers can better engage their supporters and detractors.

Public opinions on social media: how to become a trustworthy leader in times of crisis

PurposeThe study compares public opinions toward several heads of state in times of crisis across countries, especially during the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Although recent studies have primarily addressed public sentiment during the COVID-19 pandemic, critical international conflicts continue to impact economic and political dynamics that need warrant examination.Design/methodology/approachUsing social media data, this study utilizes content and sentiment analysis to assess public perceptions of leaders’ actions and communication strategies.FindingsFindings indicate that most leaders elicited predominantly negative sentiment, with only two leaders viewed favorably.Originality/valueA notable contribution of this study is the identification of communication patterns as pivotal in shaping public trust; leaders who failed to articulate a clear shared vision faced heightened negative sentiment, as ineffective communication fostered public distrust and anxiety. Although principles of ethical political leadership were observed in some responses, this study underscores that ethical leadership alone is insufficient. Transparent and strategic communication, particularly during crises, emerges as essential to aligning public perception and fostering trust, highlighting its importance as a core component of effective leadership in international conflicts.

Navigating the Crossroads: Analyzing China’s Middle East Policy in the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict Context

Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, its Middle East policy has undergone three stages: initial rise, elevated influence, and adjustment. With the outbreak of a new round of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on October 7, 2023, the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East has significantly shifted, marked by deepening divisions within the Arab world, challenges to US strategy, and the expansion of China’s diplomatic space. This study explores how these changes impact China’s Middle East policy and analyzes how China responds to emerging challenges, including rising geopolitical risks, obstacles to bilateral economic cooperation, shifts in international public opinion, and the sustainability of its “balanced diplomacy” approach. China aims to maintain a balance between Palestine and Israel, promote regional stability, and advance economic cooperation. However, in light of new regional dynamics, this study proposes that China needs to adjust its policy by strengthening its engagement with international responsibilities, ensuring security and economic cooperation in parallel, and increasing foreign aid and public diplomacy. Moreover, China should innovate its public opinion management and information dissemination strategies to navigate the complex media environment. By analyzing these issues, this article will examine the direction of China’s Middle East policy adjustments and their broader implications for regional dynamics and global strategic competition.

A Multi-Dimensional Evaluation of Turkish Public Opinion towards the United States

Türkiye - United States relations have a multifaceted character and have spanned a long period, witnessing ups and downs throughout their historical trajectory. Türkiye’s relations with and foreign policy towards the US have been closely monitored by the public, and diverse perspectives towards the US have emerged within Turkish public opinion over time. This paper investigates the various factors that affect Turkish public opinion towards the US. Previous studies have generally examined public opinion through the demand side, exploring what features of the public predict their behavior towards other countries. In this research, we examine what exactly it is about the US that the public likes or dislikes. The research question of this article is: What are the determinants of the variation in individuals’ foreign policy attitudes towards the US in Türkiye? By answering this question through survey data conducted in 2021, we aim to present the economic, security-related, and political reasons behind the Turkish public’s positive and negative attitudes toward the US. The findings demonstrate that individuals are influenced by various dimensions pertaining to the US and its relations with Türkiye. The respondents’ demographic characteristics and political and foreign policy attitudes have resulted in disparate opinions regarding these multiple dimensions.

A formal model of party competition with salience

Recent empirical research points at the significance of issue salience for party competition and argues that small parties emphasize secondary issues. This article investigates parties’ salience strategies from a formal viewpoint. It presents a model of party competition that allows parties to compete with policy positions on a second dimension, and also to choose an optimal level of issue salience. Equilibrium results are computed based on artificial data. The results identify various relevant factors for policy divergence and emphasis on the second policy issue dimension, notably the structure of public opinion and non-policy related valence differences. The results suggest that it is not only challenger parties at the fringe, but also valence-advantaged parties that seek to push the salience of secondary policy issues.