Virtual media has become a platform where young people reconstruct their identities, says OMU expert

Melike Sinem Yılmaz, Lecturer at Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU), stated, “Instead of adopting oppressive and controlling approaches toward their children, families need to create healthy communication environments. Because virtual media is not merely a space where young individuals spend time, but also a platform where they reconstruct their identities.”

Melike Sinem Yılmaz, Lecturer at the OMU Corporate Communications Unit, emphasized that virtual media is not only a communication space but also a platform where identities are reconstructed; that young people have become content producers, while the pressure for visibility and the desire for approval have increased; therefore, digital awareness and algorithm literacy have become essential. Stressing that healthy communication and approaches can solve many problems, Yılmaz said, “It is important for families to adopt a guiding rather than controlling approach. Evaluating the platforms used together with children, discussing content with them, and asking questions such as ‘How does this content make you feel?’ stand out as healthier methods of communication.”

“A desire for approval emerges”

Stating that virtual media awareness is of great importance, Lecturer Yılmaz said:

“Today, virtual media is not only a communication space, but also a powerful field of digital culture where individuals present and reconstruct their identities and where virtual relationships are reshaped. As virtual media has become central to daily life, virtual media literacy and awareness have also gained importance. This concept goes beyond merely being able to use technology; it also includes developing conscious awareness toward the content encountered on virtual media. Individuals now need to develop awareness about the algorithms they use. It is important to understand why algorithms make certain content visible and how they influence digital behavior. Young individuals in particular are no longer only content consumers on virtual media, but also content producers. At the same time, they construct identities and attempt to present themselves through visibility. As the desire to be visible increases, so too do the desire for approval and the pressure of visibility. Therefore, developing digital awareness is of great importance. What is needed today is not merely individuals who can use technology, but individuals who can critically interpret the technology they use. At this point, important responsibilities fall on families and educational environments. Instead of oppressive and controlling approaches, healthy communication spaces need to be established. Because virtual media is not simply an environment where young individuals spend time, but also a platform where they reconstruct their identities.”

“The feeling of anonymity may lead individuals to use harsher and more provocative language”

Pointing out that many cases of cyberbullying are carried out through anonymous accounts, Yılmaz continued:

“Today, both young people and adults are largely exposed to a culture of comparison. This situation brings the concept of cyberbullying to the forefront more frequently. However, it is not sufficient to evaluate cyberbullying solely as an individual behavioral issue. The structure of virtual media platforms also contributes to this process. Therefore, the logic behind algorithms and platform structures needs to be evaluated from a critical perspective. The sense of anonymity in virtual environments, the culture of rapid consumption, and the desire to be visible may cause individuals to use harsher and more provocative language. This, in turn, leads to the widespread use of more judgmental language on virtual media platforms. At this point, it is especially important for young users to protect themselves. Awareness should be developed that not every piece of content encountered on virtual media reflects reality and that some content may be fictional or produced in accordance with platform dynamics. At the same time, protecting personal boundaries and actively using security and privacy measures are among the important precautions. One of the most important points is to create a non-judgmental communication environment with young people and provide safe spaces where they can comfortably share their digital experiences.”