Ali Erdoğan warns status race at Turkish beaches threatens mental health

Doç. Dr. Ali Erdoğan, head of the Department of Psychiatry at Akdeniz University, said that recent entrance criteria and dress‑code rules at some Turkish beaches have turned visiting them into a status competition. He explained that the psychological “scarcity effect” makes people view access to these spots as a marker of prestige, leading to anxiety, disappointment and, over time, damage to both individual and societal mental health.

Erdoğan warned, “Bu durum uzun vadede ruh sağlığını olumsuz etkileyebilir,” and urged citizens to prioritize places that bring genuine enjoyment and relaxation rather than chasing image. He described the phenomenon as “izlenim yönetimi,” where individuals focus on showcasing their vacations instead of simply resting, a trend he believes could erode collective well‑being.