Perceived Opinion Leadership of Nursing Students Regarding Social Media Influencers and Their Attitudes Toward the Nursing Profession

This study aimed to determine nursing students' perceived opinion leadership toward social media influencers and their attitudes toward the nursing profession, examine the relationship between these variables, and assess the effect of perceived opinion leadership on professional attitude. Using a descriptive, cross-sectional design, data were collected through the Demographic Characteristics Form, the Opinion Leadership Scale of Social Media Influencers Among Followers, and the Attitude Scale Toward the Nursing Profession. The study was conducted between October 2024 and May 2025 with 674 nursing students from a university in western Turkey. Reporting followed the STROBE checklist. The mean score for opinion leadership was 52.25±16.43, while the mean score for professional attitude was 155.94±20.43. Structural equation modeling showed that the Proximity dimension had a significant positive effect, and the Imitation dimension had a significant negative effect on all subdimensions of professional attitude (P<.01). The Entertainment dimension positively influenced only the General Status subdimension (P=.035). Students perceived social media influencers as low-level opinion leaders but held positive attitudes toward nursing. Although overall opinion leadership showed no direct effect on attitudes, its subdimensions had significant associations. These findings highlight the impact of social media dynamics and the need for media literacy strategies in nursing education.