Türkiye exceeds global average in social media usage

Experts warn that as social media use increases, the risk of addiction also rises, and this may trigger other types of addiction as well.

With rapid digitalization, social media has become an integral part of daily life, but it also brings the risk of addiction, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency.

Especially among young people, heavy social media use can lead to psychological and social effects.

Experts emphasize that increased social media use raises addiction risk and may trigger other addictions, posing risks not only individually but also socially.

Hakan Çetin, Academy Director at the Turkish Green Crescent Society (Yeşilay), said they are working on preventing addiction and noted that Turkey ranks above the global average in addiction data.

Referring to the “Turkiye Social Media Research Report,” Çetin said social media can trigger other types of addiction. Although not yet clearly defined as a formal addiction in literature, weekly global usage averages 19 hours, while in Turkiye it reaches 25 hours, indicating higher problematic use.

He stressed that social media exposes users to tobacco, alcohol, drugs, and gambling through ads and content, increasing the likelihood of developing such addictions.

Çetin added that addiction cannot be measured only by time spent, but also by its impact on a person’s functionality, tolerance, and social life.

He highlighted the need for strong digital literacy education and life skills development, especially in managing emotions and stress.

Clinical psychologist Tülin Güler from YEDAM stated that many users are also exposed to gambling (30%) and tobacco/alcohol-related content (20%), increasing vulnerability to other addictions.

She explained that social media affects the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. While it may provide short-term relief, long-term use can lead to depression, anxiety, anger, social isolation, and low self-esteem.

She also noted issues such as reduced attention span, focus problems, sleep disturbances, and negative impacts on academic and social life.

Güler said individuals can identify addiction signs such as frequent use, failed attempts to quit, withdrawal symptoms, and continued use despite negative consequences.

She emphasized that addiction is treatable and support is available through counseling centers like YEDAM.

A 36-year-old from Istanbul shared that with YEDAM’s support, they overcame social media addiction, which had started as a way to cope with loneliness but eventually led to isolation and emotional distress.