Social media and anti-immigrant prejudice: a multi-method analysis of the role of social media use, threat perceptions, and cognitive ability

This research employs a multi-method approach to investigate the relationship between social media and anti-immigrant prejudice in Singapore. Study 1 uses computational text analysis of social media comments to examine the emotional tone and topical themes of discussions about immigrants. Study 2 utilizes survey data to analyze the relationship between social media use, threat perceptions (realistic and symbolic), cognitive ability, and negative emotions towards immigrants, using the Integrated Threat Theory framework. Results indicate that online discussions about immigrants often express negative emotions and concerns about economic impacts. Survey data shows a positive association between higher social media usage, greater threat perceptions, and more negative emotions towards immigrants, particularly among individuals with lower cognitive abilities. The findings highlight social media's role in shaping public attitudes towards immigration and the importance of considering the interplay between digital platforms, threat perceptions, and cognitive ability in understanding attitude formation.

Saifuddin Ahmed, Kokil Jaidka, Vivian Hsueh Hua Chen, Mengxuan Cai, Anfan Chen, Claire Stravato Emes, Valerie Yu, Arul Chib