The Impact of Social Media on Public Awareness and Acceptance of Autonomous Driving

Abstract

With the rapid development of autonomous driving technology, public awareness and acceptance have become key factors determining its market prospects and social applications. As the primary platform for information dissemination in the digital age, social media serves as the main arena for the formation and spread of public opinion. This study analyzes text data from social media, conducting frequency analysis, network relationship analysis, and sentiment analysis to explore public awareness and attitudes towards autonomous vehicles, represented by the company “Luo Bo Kuai Pao”, during the early stages of commercialization. The findings indicate that social media users currently maintain a relatively rational attitude towards autonomous vehicles, but they also express concerns about the potential replacement of traditional taxis and ride-hailing services by this technology. Importantly, this study highlights the need for societal focus on the technological divide between the elderly population, often referred to as “digital immigrants”, and autonomous driving technology.