Acceptance of Diversity, Social Media Use, and Labeling of Refugees in Türkiye: A Mediation Analysis from a Social Work Perspective

Abstract

This study examines the relationships between acceptance of diversity, social media use, and the labeling of refugees in Türkiye, focusing on the mediating role of social media use. Grounded in Goffman’s Labeling Theory and approached from a social work perspective, the study utilized a cross-sectional, correlational design. Data were collected from 431 participants via an online survey. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were employed to analyze the data. The findings revealed that acceptance of diversity was negatively associated with social media use and the labeling of refugees, while social media use was positively associated with refugee labeling. Moreover, social media use mediated the relationship between acceptance of diversity and labeling. These results underscore the dual role of social media as both a space for intercultural communication and a platform for spreading exclusionary narratives. The study contributes to the literature by highlighting the importance of promoting inclusive digital environments. It provides practical implications for developing anti-discriminatory interventions within social work practice and media literacy programs. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.