# Turkish concerns over digital media and youth identity

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/turkish-concerns-over-digital-media-and-youth-identity
> Updated: 2026-10-10T12:37:12.000Z. Sources: 31. Developments: 2.

Concerns have been raised in Turkey regarding the influence of digital media and technology on the identity and values of the younger generation.

Üner Karabıyık, Chairman of the Istanbul Family Foundation, warned that increased screen time and exposure to diverse content on digital platforms are causing early-age identity confusion. He described the influence as an “organized ecosystem” involving media, art, and business that targets children, noting that social media algorithms contribute to increased screen time.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has reiterated warnings against the influence of “techno-oligarchs,” arguing that these powerful technology actors seek to shape the future according to their own agendas by promoting values such as racism and hedonism. During recent engagements, including the 75th-anniversary gathering of the İlim Yayma Society in Istanbul, Erdoğan linked these digital influences to “poisonous seeds” that contribute to tragic school incidents.

To counter this perceived threat, Erdoğan has identified the “TEKNOFEST generation” and the youth of İlim Yayma as primary defenses, advocating for a generation that utilizes technology while remaining rooted in national and spiritual values. At the Turkic World Youth Meeting in Kocaeli, he also emphasized cultural unity among Turkic nations, stating their partnership is “far beyond the borders drawn on maps.”

In a recent development, President Erdoğan announced a major support package for young people who are neither in education nor employment (NEET), providing monthly cash assistance of 19,000 TL. This initiative aims to reduce youth unemployment and integrate young people into the production cycle. Concurrently, the government is addressing social and security concerns, including preventing child labor in vocational training and increasing school security measures following recent incidents of violence.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-10: Turkey announces 19,000 TL monthly support for NEET youth

President Erdoğan announced a 19,000 TL monthly support package for NEET youth in Turkey and warned against the influence of “techno-oligarchs” on the younger generation.

27 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/erdoan-blames-techno-oligarchs-for-recent-school-attacks-in-turkey

### 2026-09-11: Istanbul Family Foundation warns of digital media impact on youth identity

Istanbul Family Foundation Chairman Üner Karabıyık warns that digital media and social media algorithms are contributing to identity confusion and psychological issues among children and adolescents.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/istanbul-family-foundation-warns-of-digital-media-impact-on-youth-identity

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Cite as: Turkish concerns over digital media and youth identity. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/turkish-concerns-over-digital-media-and-youth-identity