YOUTUBE AND PUBLIC DISCOURSE: APPROACHES TO WILDFIRES

Authors : Banu Coşkun, Dudu Yurt

Pages : 372-386

Doi:10.7456/tojdac.1797733

View : 159 | Download : 332

Publication Date : 2026-01-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Climate change and wildfires are profoundly affecting ecological and social life in Türkiye, as they are around the world. In this process, social media platforms such as X, YouTube, and Instagram are prominent in terms of accessing information about fires, expressing opinions, and participating in public discussions. This study aims to examine how wildfires are interpreted in the social media environment in Türkiye. The sample for the research consists of user comments on the video titled “Türkiye Neden Sürekli Yanıyor?” by the Evrim Ağacı channel, which produces scientific content on the YouTube platform. Accordingly, the research was conducted using the netnography method, and the data was obtained through archival data collection techniques. The collected data was evaluated within the framework of main themes such as institutional and political inquiries, proposed solutions to wildfires, scientific approaches and social perceptions, and emotional reactions. The study found that users viewed wildfires not only as a phenomenon related to climate change, but also in the context of structural and institutional problems, technical infrastructure deficiencies, and economic interests. In this context, it was determined that social media functions as an effective platform for raising environmental awareness and forming critical public opinion.
Keywords : sosyal medya, YouTube, orman yangınları, iklim değişikliği, netnografi

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