Journals / Kamu Yönetimi ve Teknoloji Dergisi / 2026 / Cilt: 8 Sayı: 2

The Use of Influencers in Public Interest Communication: A Policy Model for Turkey

KAMU YARARI İLETİŞİMİNDE INFLUENCER KULLANIMI: TÜRKİYE İÇİN BİR POLİTİKA MODELİ

Pages
164–182
Publication Date
2026-08-08
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

The study offers an original contribution by applying digital nudge theory to the Turkish public communication context and proposing an institutional framework for influencer policy.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

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Objective & Hypothesis:As digital transformation accelerates, traditional public communication tools are losing their effectiveness while platform algorithms systematically restrict the organic reach of public institutions.
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Key Findings & Data:Comparative findings drawn from WHO's infodemic management, the United Kingdom's Every Mind Matters campaign, and the Behavioural Insights Team demonstrate that embedding influencer engagement within a systematic framework enhances its effectiveness.
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Conclusion & Impact:The study offers an original contribution by applying digital nudge theory to the Turkish public communication context and proposing an institutional framework for influencer policy.
🔬Design:Lab & Field Experiment
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Influencer · kamu yararı iletişimi · dijital nudge

Abstract

As digital transformation accelerates, traditional public communication tools are losing their effectiveness while platform algorithms systematically restrict the organic reach of public institutions. This study examines the use of influencers in public interest communication in Turkey within the framework of the public policy cycle and digital nudge theory, identifying existing regulatory gaps and proposing an applicable policy model. Employing a qualitative case study method, the study analyses institutional documents, policy texts, and sectoral reports. Comparative findings drawn from WHO's infodemic management, the United Kingdom's Every Mind Matters campaign, and the Behavioural Insights Team demonstrate that embedding influencer engagement within a systematic framework enhances its effectiveness. Although influencer use already occurs in Turkey, it lacks transparency obligations, accountability mechanisms, and institutional coordination. Accordingly, a three-pillar policy model is proposed: a Public Interest Influencer Pool coordinated by the Directorate of Communications, mandatory transparency and disclosure requirements, and a digital monitoring mechanism against trolls and disinformation. The study offers an original contribution by applying digital nudge theory to the Turkish public communication context and proposing an institutional framework for influencer policy.

Özet

Dijital dönüşümün hız kazanmasıyla birlikte devletlerin geleneksel kamu iletişimi araçları etkinliğini yitirmekte; platform algoritmaları kamu kurumlarının organik erişimini sistematik biçimde kısıtlamaktadır. Bu çalışma, Türkiye'de kamu yararı iletişiminde influencer kullanımını kamu politikası döngüsü ve dijital nudge teorisi çerçevesinde ele almakta; mevcut düzenleyici boşlukları tespit ederek uygulanabilir bir politika modeli önermektedir. Niteliksel örnek olay yöntemi benimsenen çalışmada kurumsal belgeler, politika metinleri ve sektörel raporlar analiz edilmiştir. WHO'nun infodemi yönetimi, İngiltere'nin Every Mind Matters kampanyası ve Behavioural Insights Team deneyimlerinden elde edilen karşılaştırmalı bulgular, influencer politikasının sistematik bir çerçeveye oturtulmasının etkinliği artırdığını ortaya koymaktadır. Türkiye'de influencer kullanımı fiilen gerçekleşmekle birlikte şeffaflık yükümlülüğünden, hesap verebilirlik mekanizmasından ve kurumsal koordinasyondan yoksundur. Bu doğrultuda üç ayaklı bir politika modeli önerilmektedir: İletişim Başkanlığı koordinasyonunda oluşturulacak Kamu Yararı Influencer Havuzu, zorunlu şeffaflık ve açıklama yükümlülüğü ile troll ve dezenformasyona karşı dijital izleme mekanizması. Çalışma, dijital nudge teorisini Türkiye kamu iletişimi bağlamına uygulayan ve influencer politikası için kurumsal bir çerçeve öneren özgün bir katkı sunmaktadır.

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Cite This Article

Bolat, İ. D. (2026). The Use of Influencers in Public Interest Communication: A Policy Model for Turkey. Kamu Yönetimi ve Teknoloji Dergisi, Cilt: 8 Sayı: 2, 164–182. https://doi.org/10.58307/kaytek.1977036

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