# Analysing Social Media Discourse on Electric Vehicles with Machine Learning
## 5 Discussion  
The analysis of the social acceptance of EVs in this study shows significant similarities and differences when compared to the existing literature. This examination using social media data reveals the various factors affecting the acceptance of EVs in a more dynamic way. In the literature, the factors determining the acceptance of EVs are generally based on factors such as technological acceptance, driving experience, and environmental impacts [14; 69]. In this study, social media posts show how these factors are shaped in the perceptions of social media users and how these perceptions affect social acceptance. Technological acceptance stands out as a determining factor in the social acceptance of EVs. A study by [PERSON] et al. (2021) states that inadequate charging infrastructure and low battery capacity are the main factors preventing users from adopting EVs [17]. A similar finding was identified in this study. In English tweets, users expressed their concerns  
Figure 3: LDA terms (Turkish tweets). (**a**) Topic 1 (**b**) Topic 2 (**c**) Topic 3.  
about the limited range and charging infrastructure of EVs. In Turkish tweets, on the other hand, while such concerns were less common, positive features such as environmental friendliness were emphasised more. This difference reveals how users' perceptions of EVs in certain geographical regions are shaped by technological barriers. The dominance of range anxiety and charging concerns in both languages can be linked to the current state of infrastructure development. In Turkey, although the EV market is growing, infrastructure is still limited, leading to neutral or cautious sentiments. In global markets, where EVs are more common, user expectations are higher, and criticisms are more pointed. These differences may also be influenced by recent policies such as tax incentives in Europe or TOGG's launch in Turkey, both of which influence consumer discussion. The influence of social norms and collective influence on the acceptance of EVs is another important finding. [PERSON] et al. (2016) reported that social norms and collective influence play an important role in the acceptance of EVs [69]. In this study, it was found that users' perceptions of EVs are largely shaped by collective values such as environmental awareness and social responsibility. In Turkish tweets, positive perceptions of environmentally friendly vehicles and belief in their social benefits are more evident. In English tweets, these positive perceptions were generally associated with environmental concerns and sustainability themes. This finding suggests that the acceptance of EVs is shaped not only by individual benefits but also by social responsibility. In addition, the relationship between the acceptance of EVs and the political ideologies of individuals is also frequently emphasised in the literature. [PERSON] et al. (2023) stated that social perceptions of EVs are influenced by individuals' political views [70]. In this study, it was observed that users' positive or negative perceptions of EVs in Turkish and English tweets were shaped by political views and social ideologies. Especially in English tweets, it was found that the comments made about EVs generally overlapped with individuals' environmental awareness and political views. The relationship between EVs and sustainability goals is another important topic of debate. [PERSON] et al. (2021) stated that the social acceptance of EVs is largely linked to public awareness of their environmental friendliness and sustainability goals [21]. In this study, in Turkish tweets, users strongly emphasised the contribution of EVs to the environment and perceived them as important for sustainability. In English tweets, on the other hand, it was observed that these perceptions were more associated with social responsibility and environmental policies. This is a finding that shows that the acceptance of EVs is shaped not only by technological factors but also by environmental and sustainability goals.