This study examines the influence of digital streaming platforms (BluTV, Netflix, Prime Video) on individuals’ conceptualizations of social reality and their perceptions of the world, within the framework of George Gerbner’s cultivation theory. Originally developed to explain how television functions as a cultural narrative and ideological apparatus, the theory is revisited here in light of the growing dominance of digital content. The research represents a theoretical and empirical effort to understand the symbolic function of streaming platforms in today’s media landscape. The study was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, content broadcast on BluTV, Netflix, and Prime Video – based on the most-watched series in Türkiye – was subjected to message system analysis. Themes such as violence, family structure, and urban life were identified. These findings informed the construction of a survey administered face-to-face to 530 undergraduate students at Gaziantep University. The data were analyzed using cultivation and mainstreaming methodologies. The results reveal that digital content consistently reinforces specific social norms and significantly shapes viewers’ perceptions of reality. Notably, statements such as “urban centers are more dangerous” and “family remains important in Turkish society” received high levels of agreement, indicating the ideological influence of such media content. Furthermore, meaningful differences were observed across various demographic categories. In conclusion, the findings suggest that digital streaming platforms serve not merely as distributors of entertainment content but as symbolic regulators that contribute to reproducing cultural norms and ideological structures. The study confirms that Gerbner’s theoretical framework remains valid and applicable within contemporary digital contexts.