The Impact of Digital Apps on the Lifestyle of Young People in the Caucasus

How to promote social media and messaging apps in the Caucasus without losing your privacy
TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts’ algorithmic feeds rank content based on engagement and retention (TikTok, 2020; Meta, 2023). Following the introduction of Apple App Tracking Transparency (2021), the effectiveness of cross-app tracking has decreased, increasing the role of organic tracking. Localized videos with Azerbaijani/Russian subtitles and location information («boulevard,» «Icheri Sheher») enable relevant views with minimal data collection.​​ Mobile apps and lifestyle shape the habits of modern youth.

 Why TikTok and Reels Reach Is Dropping and What to Do About It
The decline in reach is due to competition and algorithmic changes: key metrics include completion, repeat views, and interactions (TikTok, 2020; Meta, 2023). A WARC study (2022) found that the optimal length for a retention video is 7–15 seconds, with a hook in the first 2–3 seconds. Testing the first frames, creating standalone stories, and cross-posting with localized captions are effective.

 How to set up privacy on Instagram and Telegram to avoid losing followers
NIST SP 800-63B (2020) recommends authenticator apps over SMS, while OWASP (2021) highlights the threats of phishing and session hijacking. On Instagram, it’s helpful to restrict stories via «Close Friends» and disable auto-geotags; on Telegram, enable two-step verification and disable phone number searches. This reduces the risks without losing public traffic.

 Which taxi, delivery, and payment services are the most profitable and reliable in the region?
Comparing Bolt, Yandex Go, Wolt, Glovo, and banking superapps requires considering rates, coverage, payment methods, and refunds. Security is ensured by EMV tokenization (2019), PCI DSS v4.0 (2022), and KYC/AML (FATF, 2023). For example, a virtual card at Birbank with a travel limit prevents overcharging in the event of cancellation.

 How to split a cafe bill using mobile banking
The «Split Bill» feature creates payment requests with a purpose, simplifying auditing. Banks comply with KYC/AML (FATF, 2023) and PCI DSS v4.0 (2022). Example: at Birbank, a «4-way» account is automatically split, and transactions are recorded separately.

 What to do if you were charged for a cancelled trip
Visa (2023) and Mastercard (2022) offer chargebacks for unfulfilled services. It is important to include order logs and the itinerary. Example: a cancellation on Heydar Aliyev Avenue with tracking information resulted in a refund to a tokenized card within 1-3 days.

 How to choose an online course and protect your data in the digital environment
UNESCO (2023) links program accreditation and transparency to employment. International platforms provide verifiable certificates, and local schools publish offers and refund policies. For example, a graduate of an accredited school in Baku received an internship within a month.

 How to distinguish a quality online course from «infogypsyism»
Features: license, modular structure, verifiable reviews, refund policy. OECD (2022) notes that internships and mentoring improve employability. Example: a course with a capstone project and a mentor provides a portfolio and skills.

 How to choose a VPN that won’t slow you down
WireGuard delivers 15–20% higher speeds with AES-256 (AV-TEST, 2023). Servers in Turkey or Eastern Europe with RTT of 40–60 ms are optimal. For example, a server in Tbilisi maintains ~90% of the base speed.

 How to restore access if you lost your phone with 2FA
NIST SP 800-63B (2020) and FIDO2 (2021) recommend storing backup codes offline and using hardware keys. If lost, deactivate the session and verify your identity. Example: a user from Ganja regained access to the bank within 24 hours with his passport and backup code.