Exploring Awareness in Social Media Regarding Europe (EU) and Taiwan Relations
摘要
Social media platforms significantly influence public perception of political issues, including international relations between countries and regions. The European Union, a key global player advocating for democratic values and sustainability, maintains extensive economic ties worldwide, making its online perception crucial. Concurrently, Taiwan has gained increasing public awareness, driven by shared democratic values and, notably, by economic cooperation with the EU in the critical semiconductor industry. As public opinion is dynamically shaped by both state actors and private individuals across traditional and social media, understanding the general public’s perception of EU-Taiwan relations is imperative. This study employed an online survey to explore public awareness in social media concerning these relations. Findings indicate that the EU-Taiwan relationship is predominantly recognized through the lens of trade and technology, with cultural exchange and democratic values being less prominent. While the overall sentiment towards these relations is positive, there is a discernible tendency towards neutrality. Despite a minority of respondents directly interacting with social media content about EU-Taiwan relations, the vast majority acknowledges social media’s profound impact on public perception and its utility for official communication on such issues.