Are we being shaped by digital?
Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Social Work and Social Work Club organized an event titled "How Does the Digital World Shape Us?". The online event was attended by Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University Department of New Media and Communication Asst. Prof. Prof. Zeynep Şehidoğlu attended as a guest. Şehidoğlu touched upon the effects of digital technologies on the individual and society. Şehidoğlu, who recommends digital detox against technology addiction, expressed that "If we can learn to use technology as a tool in the right way, we can make our lives easier and build a healthier digital world."
The online event was moderated by Social Work Club President Elif Büşra Bal.
Prof. İsmail Barış: "There is a digitalization process in the world"
The opening speech of the event was made by Üsküdar University Advisor to the Rector, Head of the Department of Social Work of the Faculty of Health Sciences Prof. İsmail Barış.
Drawing attention to the widespread use of digitalism in the world, Barış said that "There is a process of digitalization in the world, and this process has serious effects on human values and human dignity, especially through social media. However, the intention of young people like you to leave a positive impact on these channels gives me hope. I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the delivery of such seminars to students and participants. I am also pleased that this event is supported by various platforms and that voices are discussing how we can do better in a synchronized way to serve people..."
More than a simple habit, it is a need that has become the center of life...
Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Department of New Media and Communication, Asst. Prof. Zeynep Şehidoğlu touched upon the effects of digital technologies on the individual and society. Şehidoğlu stated that "New media technologies have become an indispensable part of our lives. While technology initially aimed to make our lives easier as a tool, today it has become a force that transforms individuals. When we wake up in the morning, the first thing we do is look at our phone. How long can we go without a phone during the day? It is not a simple habit, but it is a need that has become central to our lives."
Dr. Şehidoğlu: "Try to be without a phone for a day"
Şehidoğlu, who recommends digital detox against technology addiction, stated that "Staying away from digital tools at regular intervals allows individuals to better understand their own reality. For example, try going without a phone for a day. In this process, notice which practice you miss the most and observe how these habits shape you. You may have thousands of followers on social media, but most of these relationships are superficial. When the electricity goes out or social media accounts are closed, we realize that these ties disappear in an instant." Şehidoğlu also expressed that virtual relationships established on digital platforms weaken social ties in the real world and invited individuals to communicate more face-to-face.
"Technology is neither all bad nor all good"
Stating that life can be easier with the correct use of technology, Şehidoğlu expressed that "Technology is neither all bad nor all good. What matters is how we use it. If we can learn to use technology as a tool in the right way, we can make our lives easier and build a healthier digital world."
Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)