Journalist Özay Şendir: “Social media creates a consumption spiral”
Üsküdar University Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences organized a faculty seminar titled “Reading Society Through the Lens of Media.” Editor-in-Chief of Milliyet Newspaper,Journalist Özay Şendir participated as a speaker. Şendir highlighted the role of social media in the modern consumption cycle, that these platforms, rather than fully satisfying individuals, drag them into a constant consumption spiral.
The event was held at Üsküdar University’s South Campus, E Block, Socrates Hall.
Social Media Creates a Consumption Spiral
Milliyet Newspaper Editor-in-Chief Özay Şendir highlighted the role of social media in the modern consumption cycle, emphasizing that these platforms do not fully satisfy individuals but instead drag them into a constant consumption spiral. Addressing the contradictions between traditional journalism, social media, and artificial intelligence, Şendir noted that these conflicts have led to numerous legal cases in the West. He explained how the limited characters of messages on social media make it impossible for individuals to truly understand one another. While platforms like X (formerly Twitter) are dominated by themes of unhappiness, Instagram creates an artificial perception of happiness. Şendir stressed that these contradictory representations drive individuals further away from a sense of reality.
A Medium for Rapid Spread of Fake News
Continuing his speech, Şendir remarked that social media often pushes people into a passive stance when faced with problems, with reactions on these platforms rarely resulting in tangible outcomes. He recalled how journalists in the past brought societal issues to light, enabling politicians to become aware of them. However, he pointed out that social media has become a medium where fake and false news spreads rapidly today. Şendir also noted that while society in the past acted out of feelings of love and belonging, individuals today are increasingly adopting a hate-focused attitude, which has become a prominent feature of social life.
Journalists Should Approach Events Objectively
In his speech, Özay Şendir also addressed the ethical values of journalism, emphasizing that journalists should approach events with an objective rather than subjective perspective. He highlighted that journalism is a discipline rooted in the pursuit of truth and noted that in earlier times, the profession was not limited to news printed on paper but was also a product of an ethical mindset.Recalling how emotions were dominant in past films and music, Şendir pointed out that today, everything is approached in a mechanical and emotionless manner. He stressed the growing importance of reminding people of their emotions in such times.
The event ended after participants’ questions were addressed.
Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)