Every day, millions of young people in Turkey are exposed to content directed by TikTok's algorithms. According to KOSAM's latest report, TikTok is not just a social media platform, but also a digital transformation tool that deeply influences the societal structure. "Is TikTok, beyond its entertaining content, a system that shapes individuals' behaviors and thought patterns?" This is the question the Development-Oriented Strategic Research Center (KOSAM) seeks to answer in its report titled "The TikTok Threat in the Context of Social Impact and Data Security," which has been shared with the public. The report contains significant warnings for Turkey. Headlines from the Report: . Social Media Addiction . Harmful Effects of TikTok . Cyber and National Security Concerns in TikTok Usage . Countries that Have Banned or Blocked Access to TikTok The Strategic Research Center for Development-Oriented Studies (KOSAM), operating under the Konya Chamber of Commerce (KTO) Karatay University, has published one of the most striking reports on TikTok in Turkey. In the report titled "The TikTok Threat in the Context of Social Impact and Data Security," prepared by KOSAM, the effects of TikTok on Turkish society are examined, and the reflections of these effects on individuals and societal dynamics are analyzed. Due to the social, psychological, and security risks posed by TikTok, halting the platform's activities in Turkey is considered an important step, not only for protecting individuals' mental and social well-being but also for safeguarding national interests. How Do TikTok's Algorithms Work? The report highlights that TikTok, with approximately 37 million users in Turkey, has become a significant platform shaping the digital preferences of the young population. However, this large user base has also brought along social, psychological, and economic issues. The platform’s algorithm is said to contribute to user addiction, weakening their social connections and leading to various psychological problems. TikTok is also considered a significant threat in terms of national security, with concerns over data privacy and content manipulation. Entertainment or Digital Addiction? The report points out that TikTok users show higher addiction patterns compared to other social media platforms. It emphasizes that the content leading to cultural and moral decay weakens societal norms, distorts individual perceptions of reality, and weakens social connections. The report also draws attention to how TikTok’s feature of building virtual identities has led to the spread of content that undermines societal norms, contributing to the rise of hyperreality perception. This encourages users to engage in risky behaviors to gain more likes and followers, which causes individuals to confuse the line between real life and hyperreality. Western Countries Declared War on TikTok: What Will Turkey Do? KOSAM's report recalls that India was the first country to ban TikTok due to reasons such as leading to moral depression, spreading misinformation, and enemy propaganda. It also mentions that other countries followed suit. Countries such as the US, Canada, the UK, the Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Denmark, and Australia have banned TikTok usage on government phones. KOSAM Considers TikTok a Digital Disaster in Turkey KOSAM’s report, "The TikTok Threat in the Context of Social Impact and Data Security," evaluates TikTok’s serious harm in Turkey and includes critical recommendations to prevent further growth of these dangers. It calls for urgent intervention regarding social media platforms, particularly TikTok. The report stresses the importance of improving data security measures and digital literacy in Turkey and underlines that TikTok should be banned in the country. TikTok’s activities in Turkey are seen not only as an individual preference issue but as a critical problem in terms of national security and societal structure. KOSAM calls on the authorities and the public to find a joint solution. The report, which will significantly shape Turkey’s digital future, is available at www.kosam.org.
