The Book “The Invisible Threat of the Digital World” by Istanbul Gelisim University Faculty Member Asst. Prof. Bülent Tansel Has Been Published

The rapidly advancing impact of the digital age is directly connected not only with technology but also with the psychological and social structures of individuals. In his new work titled “The Invisible Threat of the Digital World”, Asst. Prof. Bülent Tansel, Assistant Professor at Istanbul Gelisim University, Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences, Department of Psychology, examines the deep and long-term effects of digitalization on the psychological development of young people. Written as the result of a comprehensive study conducted in cooperation with the Ministry of National Education within the scope of Istanbul Gelisim University’s Scientific Research Project (BAPSIS), the book analyzes the threats young people face in the digital world from a scientific perspective, and offers comprehensive solutions for families, teachers, and community leaders on how to address these challenges.

The Psychological Cost of the Digital World: The Invisible Threat

Today, as social media and digital platforms have become an integral part of our lives, their psychological effects on young people are drawing increasing attention. Asst. Prof. Bülent Tansel’s work, “The Invisible Threat of the Digital World,” explores how the digital world affects young people’s self-perception, tendencies toward social comparison, and identity development.

The study sheds light on high school students’ attitudes toward social media use, personality traits, self-perception, and their status as cyber victims/cyberbullies, examining these factors across various variables. The research was carried out with 1,696 students selected through a random stratified sampling method from a population of 17,120 students attending 18 public high schools in Istanbul’s Avcılar district.

Drawing on the data obtained and field observations, “The Invisible Threat of the Digital World” examines the digital life practices of today’s youth, their identity development, and the psychological effects of the social media ecosystem through a current and scientific lens.

“Social Media Deepens the Gap Between Young People’s Ideal and Real Selves”

Asst. Prof. Tansel states: “Young people are no longer just consuming digital content; they are consuming themselves. They are trying to construct their identities in the digital world, and this process often crushes them internally.”
According to Asst. Prof. Tansel, many young people evaluate themselves based on their digital reflections, and digital interactions such as likes and follower counts become central to their sense of identity. This situation weakens individuals’ sense of self-integrity and may lead to a chronic cycle of dissatisfaction.
He defines this situation as the “digital comparison trap,” emphasizing that it can lead to body image distortions, social anxiety, depressive symptoms, and identity confusion. The struggle to exist in the digital world psychologically erodes young people, eventually resulting in loss of self-esteem, fragility in relationships, and obstacles to healthy identity development.

The Invisible Face of the Digital World: What Should Families and Educators Do?

In his book, Asst. Prof. Tansel notes that parents and educators often hold a mistaken perception regarding the risks of the digital world. Many families believe that the danger lies solely in “harmful content.” However, the real risk comes from digital interactions that appear harmless on the surface yet deeply affect the psychological and social structures of young people.

He emphasizes that these threats often go unnoticed and may accumulate over time, leaving lasting impacts: “Young people are not just sharing content on digital platforms; they are fragmenting themselves to become visible, and they are often crushed under the weight of this quest for visibility.”
According to Asst. Prof. Tansel, digital platforms push young people not only to consume content but also to constantly reconstruct themselves within digital environments.

A Scientific Roadmap from Istanbul Gelisim University

Asst. Prof. Bülent Tansel offers concrete solutions for families, teachers, and community leaders to combat the invisible dangers of the digital world.

He highlights the need for strong awareness across various levels of society to help young people develop a healthy digital identity: “We aim to provide a scientific roadmap for families, educators, and decision-makers so that young people can construct their digital identities in a healthy way. As Istanbul Gelisim University, we bear an important responsibility to raise awareness and help cultivate the healthy individuals of the future.”

He also stresses the importance of improving parents’ and teachers’ digital literacy skills and restructuring educational processes to effectively communicate the psychological effects of the digital world to young people.

Building a Healthy Identity in the Digital World

In “The Invisible Threat of the Digital World,” Asst. Prof. Tansel proposes methods for building a healthy identity in the digital environment, including social media detoxes, body image strengthening practices, meaning-oriented life skills, and techniques for combating cyberbullying. These suggestions not only help young people construct a healthier digital identity but also aim to foster a more balanced and conscious societal relationship with the digital world.

He emphasizes an important point in the book: “The danger of the digital world lies in the fact that it does not present a visible threat. The threat arrives slowly and unnoticed. Therefore, we must correctly understand the risks young people face in the digital world and educate them on how to cope with these risks.”

A Call for the Future

“The Invisible Threat of the Digital World” is not merely a warning text—it is also a call to every segment of society to develop a healthy identity and sense of self in the digital age. Asst. Prof. Tansel stresses that every digital behavior shapes the societal structure of the future and notes: “Today’s youth, as tomorrow’s adults, will affect us all.” For this reason, developing an informed approach to the invisible threats of the digital world is considered a critical step in building healthy societies in the future.

Taking the Right Steps Makes It Possible to Use the Digital World in a Healthy Way

The book “The Invisible Threat of the Digital World” offers a comprehensive guide for anyone seeking to understand the psychosocial effects of the digital world and to exist in it in a healthy way.

Asst. Prof. Bülent Tansel’s scientifically grounded work provides clear solutions for coping with the dangers of the digital age. The contributions of Istanbul Gelisim University and Dr. Tansel from the Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences represent an important step in raising young people who do not merely consume the digital world but can also develop healthy identities within it.

Published by Nobel Publishing, “The Invisible Threat of the Digital World” will meet readers at a book signing event on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at the TÜYAP Book Fair.