Üsküdar University Founding Rector Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan was a live guest on TGRT Haber. Tarhan made evaluations regarding “Children's Social Media Use and Restriction of Use.” Tarhan stated that social media use exceeding three hours is considered problematic, emphasizing that children and adolescents, in particular, need a digital detox. Drawing attention to both the positive and negative effects of social media, Tarhan underlined that parents should adopt a guiding, rather than prohibitive, approach towards their children. Tarhan also noted that keeping a social media journal can help individuals increase their awareness and use their time more efficiently.
“Smartphones can distort children's perception of reality”
Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, stating that social media use exceeding three hours is considered problematic; “Social media is a global problem. That is, it is not only specific to Turkey right now. Turkey is also among the leading countries in this regard. We are at the forefront in terms of use by both adults and children under 15. Discussions about prohibition are taking place extensively worldwide. For example, Sweden and other Nordic countries have made definitive decisions on this matter. For instance, it is recommended not to give smartphones to children before the age of 3. Between the ages of 3 and 13, giving a phone for one hour a day is considered appropriate. Here, it is not about social media but the smartphone itself. Furthermore, children are ensured to use them under parental supervision until the age of ten. Because smartphones can distort children's perception of reality. After the age of fifteen, social media use exceeding three hours a day, outside of work and necessity, is considered pathological in adolescents and adults. This is regarded as risky or problematic use. It needs to be analyzed well. Currently, it is important to distinguish how much of social media use is problematic and how much is purposeful and beneficial. In other words, social media should not be immediately declared guilty.” he began his words.
“Social media also has positive effects”
Tarhan, emphasizing the importance of digital detox; “Young people and children were born into social media. Therefore, we should not adopt a prohibitive approach towards them. Because social media also has positive effects. The positive aspects of digitalization enable them to form social connections and feel a sense of belonging. They can share emotions, and support and friendship groups are formed. Information acquisition, learning, and awareness increase. It contributes to self-expression and identity construction. These are the positive aspects of social media, but there are also negative sides. Peer bullying and cyberbullying are quite common. These create negative effects on mental health. Especially with the impact of artificial intelligence, increased social media use can lead to higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. We are seeing more cases than ever before where adolescents are hospitalized due to digital addiction. In these situations, we apply digital detox. If their basic personalities are good and family ties are strong, children recover quickly.” he said.
“Harmful content negatively affects young people”
Tarhan, touching upon the effects of social media on individuals; “Social media increases income inequality. For example, there's pressure for visibility, everyone is in a serious race to get likes. Cyberbullying, harassment, and hate speech are also on the rise. Even sleep quality is affected. One search engine has a motto. They say, ‘Our only rival is sleep.’ So, there's a serious race to keep us awake. In this way, we become digital captives. There are also attention and focus problems. A researcher in France wrote a book on this topic titled ‘Attention Killer.’ He states that social media and internet use prevent us from sustaining attention for long periods. However, the frontal lobe of our brain should learn and be able to sustain long-term attention. Constantly shifting attention increases hyperactivity and attention deficit disorders. This situation has led people to move away from deep relationships. In social relationships, friendships and deep, quality relationships have decreased. Superficial friendships increased, while real friendships diminished. Furthermore, content exposure is very high. Harmful content, toxic personalities, and teachings of violence negatively affect young people.” he stated.
“Let's not put young people in the defendant's chair”
Tarhan, stating that one should set an example through actions and behavior instead of advice; “Before the age of fifteen, parental guidance and mentorship are very important. Whatever the parents do at home, the child does the same. For example, parents come home, constantly on their phones, and the child does the same. Therefore, there is no point in getting angry at the child. Let's not put young people in the defendant's chair. First, let's look at ourselves, where are we making mistakes? A child models what they experience, not what they hear. They learn by observing, not by listening. We cannot be a good example to today's children with mere advice. We need to set an example with our actions and behavior. Another point parents should pay attention to is implementing a digital detox on certain days of the week at home. Putting phones away for a while and talking together, taking a break, that is, imposing a moratorium, is very beneficial. If they can achieve this, a quality togetherness will be formed at home. Even if it's a short amount, it will be quality time. Even ten minutes every evening is enough. When you turn off your phone and say, ‘Let's talk,’ many things can be overcome.” he said.
“Social media is like humanity's test”
Tarhan, touching upon the critical role of parents within the family; “When individuals browse freely on the internet, they unconsciously disrupt the balance of wants and needs. For example, when shopping, one might desire everything, but they should immediately ask, ‘Is this my need or not?’ Most of the time, they don't ask this. Children also fail to learn the paradigm of stop, think, then act. If adults behave this way, children easily model it. Social media is like humanity's test. While it provides many conveniences and advantages, making our lives easier, allowing us to access information quickly, and helping us get quick results in human relationships, there is a risk of weakening depth. Here, we need to be the subject of social media, not its object. If social media manages us, individuals who get carried away can eventually become psychiatric cases. Parental leadership is very important. They might be too tolerant with their children, saying, ‘Oh, let them not be sad, let them be in front of our eyes.’ You see, the child is entering unsafe sites within the safe confines of the home. Therefore, guidance within the family is critical…” he stated.
Young people are losing the habit of reading books…
Tarhan, stating that people need to become wiser; “Psychiatric cases have increased among young people. Looking at world statistics, the rate of reading books has rapidly decreased, and book sales have also declined similarly. Young people are losing the habit of reading books. Short stories in the 'story' format or e-books are not being read enough either. A short consumption culture has emerged. According to an article I read, this situation is a threat to the future of humanity. It is described as the collapse of civilization. Humanity needs more wisdom. Socially, we need the Anatolian wisdom and Eastern culture. In fact, the whole world needs it. Because impatience and hastiness are among the most common symptoms in young people. Furthermore, global self-interest is increasing. Crime and violence incidents are proliferating. Lack of empathy has increased significantly. One of the biggest harms of social media is that it teaches a lack of empathy. People look at events only from their own perspective. They only consider their own interests. Look at books on the psychology of evil; if you fill a room with all evils, the door would be opened by a lack of empathy.” he said.
A journal helps determine social priorities and order of importance
Tarhan, stating that a social media journal should be used; “Using social media correctly is actually not difficult at all. Regarding social media use, we recommend individuals keep a social media journal. They will keep this journal in written form, not orally. The journal helps the person determine their social priorities and order of importance. In the journal, they will write questions like, ‘How much time did I spend on social media today?’ Social media platforms already report to their users how many hours they spent per day during the last week. This feedback system is a method that individuals should implement for themselves. The goal is for people who plan their day and make plans for the future to use social media in line with their goals. If left to the current, time passes quickly, and many tasks are disrupted. Therefore, social media should be used like a toxic or prohibited substance. It needs to be used at specific hours and under control. Social media is like a wild horse in our lives. If we use it correctly, it will lead us to our goals; if we use it incorrectly, it will turn us upside down. Therefore, conscious use is essential.” he concluded his words.
