At Istanbul Gelisim University, Students of Şehit Batuhan Ergin Anatolian High School Organized the Novus “Social Media and Perception of Reality” Wor

The Novus “Social Media and Perception of Reality” Workshop, organized by the students of Şehit Batuhan Ergin Anatolian High School on November 29–30, 2025 at Istanbul Gelisim University, was held with great participation and interest. The workshop aimed to thoroughly examine the effects of social media on individuals, addressing numerous significant topics ranging from ethical issues in the digital world to the psychological well-being of young people.

Psychological Effects of Social Media: Deep Marks on Youth

On the first day of the workshop, Asst. Prof. Bülent Tansel from Istanbul Gelisim University, Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences, Department of Psychology, delivered a comprehensive seminar titled “The Psychological Effects of Social Media on Perception of Reality.”. In his seminar, Asst. Prof. Tansel focused particularly on the psychological effects of social media on adolescents, including self-esteem, body image, and loneliness.
Emphasizing how the appearance- and success-driven nature of social media can negatively impact young people’s mental health, Asst. Prof. Tansel stated:
“The idealized lifestyles presented on social media distort young people’s perception of reality and push them toward anxiety by prompting constant comparison with their own lives.” He highlighted the need for individuals to become more conscious users in the digital world.
At the end of the seminar, students from Şehit Batuhan Ergin Anatolian High School presented a plaque to Asst. Prof. Bülent Tansel.

Perception and Ethics Committees: Problems and Solutions in the Digital World

Various committees formed by the students explored different aspects of social media and developed solution proposals.
The Ethics Committee addressed issues such as digital ethics, privacy violations, and cyberbullying, offering ways to create a safer environment on social media. Interactive discussions were held under topics such as “digital footprint,” “privacy,” and “data security.”
The Perception Committee examined how social media affects individuals’ appearance and body image, emphasizing:
“The differences between social media and reality lead to significant changes in individuals’ social relationships and self-esteem.”
The Digital Cleanliness Committee offered suggestions on ensuring safety in digital environments and discussed the effects of fake accounts. The committee explored how digital hygiene habits could create a meaningful impact on a societal level.

Influencer Culture and Virtual Reality

The second session of the workshop, held on Sunday, November 30, welcomed social media content creators Fatma Abak and Burcu Bayazıt. The two speakers shared important insights into the “behind the scenes” of social media.
Fatma Abak discussed how influencer culture shapes young people’s perception of reality, while Burcu Bayazıt highlighted the invisible labor behind content production, emphasizing that followers should adopt a more conscious approach toward this digital world.

Anxiety and Freedom of Expression: The Digital Transformation of Youth

On the second day of the workshop, the Anxiety Committee discussed how social media generates anxiety and concern among individuals. It was emphasized that constant connectivity can increase feelings of loneliness, inadequacy, and academic stress especially among adolescents. Extensive discussions were held on FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and the need for validation on social media.
The Freedom of Expression Committee explored the boundaries of free speech in the digital environment. While defending young people’s right to express their thoughts and opinions freely, the committee also pointed out that freedom of expression comes with social responsibility.

Digital Literacy: An Investment in the Future

The common goal of all committees was to strengthen digital literacy and critical thinking skills among young people. Recognizing the dangers of social media and distinguishing accurate information from misinformation were among the core competencies addressed. Important guidelines were also shared on how to respond to fake content encountered online.

Conscious Digital Citizenship at IGU

By hosting these events, Istanbul Gelisim University once again fulfilled its social responsibility, aiming to raise healthy individuals in the digital age. The university seeks to help young people manage their relationship with social media more consciously and responsibly.
The Novus “Social Media and Perception of Reality” Workshop left a lasting impression as an important event where social, psychological, and ethical dimensions of social media were discussed and ideas shaping the future were brought to light.
This workshop, organized at Istanbul Gelisim University, stands as a significant step toward developing solutions for the challenges young people face in the digital world. Such events are expected to foster awareness across all segments of society by building a sense of digital citizenship in the future.