TikTok controversy grows

Social media continues to grow, especially among young people and children. The most prominent application in recent times is undoubtedly TikTok. Experts are debating TikTok. Specialist Psychiatrist Veysi Çeri wrote that TikTok should be shut down.

TikTok has become not only a social media application but also a source of income for some users. They earn income from their followers during live broadcasts in exchange for things like gifts and rewards. Recently, people resembling Atatürk earning money by opening live broadcasts while exploiting Atatürk's image was a major topic of discussion. Most recently, a user named 'Laz Kızı' earned money by exposing her chest and was detained following the backlash.

These images on TikTok have also started to be debated among experts. Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Veysi Çeri shared a post on the subject on his social media account. Writing about the risks and advantages that social media holds for children and young people, Çeri placed special emphasis on TikTok. Çeri's article titled 'TikTok should be banned' is as follows:

"TikTok Should Be Banned!

Social media content can affect children's world of values and mental development in many different ways. These effects can vary depending on the type of content, the child's age, developmental level, personal experiences, and the social media applications they use.

Most of the content published on social media, especially TikTok, tends to normalize a range of negative behaviors, including marginalization, destructive behaviors, violence, content that corrupts family values and roles, sexism, and racism. Exposure to such content from an early age can negatively affect children's value judgments and ethical values and can facilitate more frequent resort to aggressive behaviors.

In cases where the people and pages they follow on social media are not strictly monitored, children may be exposed to content related to online harassment, violence, drug or alcohol use, and advertisements aimed at children. Such content can have long-term effects on children and lead to future social, emotional, and mental health problems.

Despite all these negatives, it should be added that some social media content can have a positive contribution by helping children broaden their worldviews, make new friends, and understand different cultures. Social media platforms can also offer spaces where children can reveal their creative sides and understanding of art.

As a result, while children's social media use can cause some negative effects depending on what content they are exposed to, what kind of people they follow, how long they use it, how much it is monitored, and the supervision of their families/guardians, it can also have some benefits. Therefore, it is important for families to monitor social media use in a way that is appropriate for their children's age and developmental level and to take appropriate steps to protect their children's personal information.

Considering all these effects and the behavioral and emotional problems stemming from TikTok that I encounter more and more every day in my professional life, and since it is clear that it clearly negatively affects values, emotions, thoughts, and beliefs, I think it is necessary to take measures to ensure that children stay away from this medium."