Türkiye’s Youth Foundation (TÜGVA) launched a nationwide debate competition in Istanbul, aiming to strengthen young people’s critical thinking, communication and analytical skills amid the growing influence of the digital world.

The Türkiye Debate Competition (TMY) was unveiled at the Grand Pera Emek Stage in Istanbul’s Beyoğlu district, drawing hundreds of young people from across Türkiye.

The event was attended by Justice and Development Party (AK Party) lawmaker Mahir Ünal, TÜGVA President İbrahim Beşinci and actors Serkan Çayoğlu and Rüzgar Aksoy.

Addressing the event, Ünal said debate helps young people engage with different perspectives and express their ideas effectively.

"Debate gives us the opportunity to express ourselves properly,” he said, warning that algorithms increasingly shape people’s choices and perceptions.

"The modern age individualizes us, while the digital age isolates us,” Ünal said. He argued that social media algorithms can create a "cocoon” around users by repeatedly presenting content based on their existing preferences.

Ünal urged young people to question how their views are shaped online while maintaining strong ties to their families, identities and society.

The competition will be held across nine regions of Türkiye, with 10,500 two-person teams and 21,000 students expected to participate.

Under the slogan "Let words clash, let ideas compete,” regional winners will receive TL 8,000, while the national champion team will take home TL 100,000. A total of TL 200,000 in prizes will be awarded.