All aspects of artificial intelligence were discussed at the international NEWPATH symposium
The NEWPATH symposium was organized in cooperation with Üsküdar University Faculty of Communication and Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro University (UTAD) in Portugal. The online symposium was held with the main theme of "Artificial Intelligence: Technological, Social and Cultural Ties". Within the scope of the symposium, the effects of artificial intelligence on communication and digitalization were discussed.
At the "New Paradigms in Communication Technologies and Humanity (NEWPATH) Symposium" held on March 6-7, the technology, social and cultural effects of artificial intelligence were discussed from a multidisciplinary perspective.
In the symposium, which lasted for 2 days and took place in six sessions, 52 researchers presented 33 papers. Within the scope of the symposium, topics such as the cultural effects of artificial intelligence on communication, the transformation of social structures, the role of big data in shaping cultural narratives, and artificial intelligence, identity politics and digital inequalities were discussed.
Prof. Nazife Güngör: "Artificial intelligence has started to enter every aspect of our lives"
The opening speech of the symposium was made by Üsküdar University Rector Prof. Nazife Güngör. Emphasizing the increasing importance of artificial intelligence, Güngör said; "The theme of the symposium, artificial intelligence, is a very important and very serious issue. Artificial intelligence has started to enter every aspect of our lives and affect our lives. First, we have to focus on the transformative power of artificial intelligence. The development and use of artificial intelligence-based technologies affects communication sciences as well as all scientific disciplines. For this reason, we need to rethink the concepts and theories that form the basis of communication science. Digitalization creates new opportunities to overcome challenges. Today, computer-based communication has started to be replaced by artificial intelligence-based communication."
Prof. Süleyman İrvan: "We can call this period the age of artificial intelligence"
Speaking at the opening of the symposium, Üsküdar University Advisor to the Rector, Head of the Department of Journalism Prof. Süleyman İrvan; "Today we are at a critical moment in history. Almost every day, we read about the enormous possibilities or threats posed by a new artificial intelligence application. We can call this period the age of artificial intelligence. We need to learn how to best use these AI applications for the benefit of society. This symposium aims to explore the profound effects of artificial intelligence on fields and professions such as communication, media, journalism, and advertising. By bringing together academics from different countries, it opens up the opportunities and challenges that artificial intelligence poses in shaping the future of humanity. I hope that the academic cooperation between UTAD and Üsküdar University, which started with this symposium, will continue. I would like to thank all participants for being with us and wish them a productive and inspiring symposium."
Prof. Daniela Fonseca: "Personalized communication is becoming very important"
Speaking at the opening of the symposium, UTAD Culture and Documentation Services Manager Prof. Daniela Fonseca said; "New trends in digital communication demand some kind of response from society. We are faced with things that we were not used to before. Visual and video content, short video usage, Instagram shares continue to grow, webinars are becoming more popular. Personalized communication is becoming crucial. So, are personalized experiences and messages real? I think we have a lot to think about on these two amazing days. I congratulate all the participants and the organizing committee."
Prof. Susana Fontes: "This symposium will enable us to better understand artificial intelligence"
Prof. Susana Fontes, Head of the Department of Humanities, Arts and Communication at UTAD, spoke at the opening of the symposium. Fontes; "Artificial intelligence is reshaping the world as we know it; It transforms communication, culture, and many other areas. It certainly offers incredible opportunities, but it also raises ethical, social, and technological challenges. This symposium will be an important space for dialogue, critical thinking, and knowledge exchange, allowing us to better understand and explore the complexity of AI integration in various areas of life."
Assoc. Prof. Orquidea Ribeiro; "I wish the cooperation between the two universities to continue"
Speaking on behalf of UTAD, Assoc. Prof. Orquidea Ribeiro gave information about the research center they established at UTAD. Ribeiro; "In our research center, we aim to create a unit that will ensure the integration of research activities that promote theoretical, innovative and applied interdisciplinary research covering media, society, literacies, arts, culture, parenting, digital art technologies and, of course, artificial intelligence. Therefore, this symposium on new paradigms in communication technology reflects the goals of our research center. Therefore, I would like to congratulate the organizing committee for all the work they have done so far."
Algorithmic mediation and social realities were examined
The first session of the symposium was titled "Algorithmic Mediation and Social Realities". The session was moderated by Sinan Aşçı from Dublin City University.
In the session those following made their presentations: Aline Veronize, from the University of Minho and from the University of Lusófona Alexandra Figueira, "The Construction of Social Representation Mediated by Algorithms"; Valdone Rudenkiene from Vilnius University, "The Role of Media Organizations in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: The Duty and Responsibility to Protect Trust in Media"; From Üsküdar University Enes Akdağ and from Maltepe University Necati Alp Çelebi, "New Form of Digital Leashes: Parental Control Applications and Artificial Intelligence Plug-Ins"; Gamze Gül Örgeç from Galata University, Istanbul"An Analysis of Opinions on the Use of Generative Models in the Film Industry Through YouTube User Comments: The Frost and Air Head"; İstanbul Galata Üniversitesi’nden Gamze Gül Örgeç, "Artificial Intelligence in the Influencers' Ecosystem: Advertising, Content and Engagement"
Artificial intelligence, digital labor, creativity and ethics were discussed
The second session of the symposium was titled "AI and the Evolution of Digital Labor, Creativity, and Ethics". The session was moderated by Orquídea Ribeiro from the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD).
In the session, Yaren Demirel and Neslihan Erdem from Aydın Adnan Menderes University, "Human-Artificial Intelligence Influencer Interaction in the Digital World: Analyzing Perception and Emotional Experiences with Psychophysiological Data Harvesting Technique"; Sibel Gök and İsmail Erim Gülaçar from Yıldız Technical University, "The Ethical and Aesthetic Transformation of Art in the Age of Artificial Intelligence"; Artür Vahe Karapekmez and İsmail Erim Gülaç from Yıldız Technical University, "The Transformative Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Art and Digital Inequalities"; Duygu Yaprakçı and İsmail Erim Gülaç from Yıldız Technical University, "Moving Image Supported by Artificial Intelligence in the Advertising Sector: Creative Processes and Audience Perception"; David M. Berry from the University of Sussex and Merve Güven Özkerim from Giresun University - University of Sussex presented their paper titled "An Alternative System Search with Artistic Creativity: The Case of Plantoid".
Issues of representation, identity and communication were discussed
The third session of the symposium titled "AI, Gender, and Digital Culture: Representation, Identity, and Communication" was moderated by Bilge Şenyüz from Marmara University.
In the session, those following made their presentations: Dilek Evirgen from Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University, "Assessing ChatGPT's Perception of Gender Roles Through 'Profession' Images: Is Inequality Deepening?"; Enes Akdağ from Üsküdar University and Necati Alp Çelebi from Maltepe University presented a paper titled "A Romantic or Sexual Attraction? A Comparative Intersectional Study of Digisexual Experiences"; Özgün Arda Kuş and Asena Irmak Yavuz from Üsküdar University, "An Evaluation About Advertise/Sponsorship/Collaboration Hashtags Used in Social Media Platforms in Türkiye: Fear Culture Created by Uncertainty"; Orquídea Moreira Ribeiro from UTAD, "Cultural Heritage: Digitization and Metaverse Experience"; Zindan Çakıcı and Neslihan Bulur from Üsküdar University presented their paper titled "Artificial Intelligence and Digital Communication: A Study on OpenAI's TikTok Presence".
Artificial intelligence and society relations were examined
The fourth session of the symposium, titled "AI and Society: Influence, Perception, and the Digital Future", was moderated by Rute Bastardo from UTAD University.
In the session, those following made their presentations: Prof. Süleyman İrvan, Head of the Department of Journalism, Faculty of Communication, Üsküdar University, gave a presentation on "Journalism Students' Attitudes Towards Artificial Intelligence"; From Fenerbahçe University, Ecem Ergül, Aysun Eyrek and Esra Pelin Güregen Dereboyu, "Explorıng Chatbots And Human Interaction Within The Term Of Conversational Memory"; João Pedro Baptista, Concha Perez-Curiel and Daniela Fonseca, from the Universities of UTAD and Seville, Fábio Ribeiro – UTAD, "Post-Truth Algorithms: Al, Disinformation, And The Rise Of Digital Neopopulism"; Üsküdar University Faculty of Communication, Head of Public Relations and Publicity Department Assoc. Prof. Özge Uğurlu, "Rethinking Influencer Effect: How De-Influencing Is Redefining Consumer Awareness"; Fábio Ribeiro and João Pedro Baptista from UTAD University, "The Age Of Perceptions: Analysis Of AI-Related News In The Portuguese Online Media"; Luís Pereira, City, University of London, "AI and Critical Digital Skills In Higher Education: Are We Crossing The Rubicon?"; Georgeta Drula from University of Bucharest presented their paper titled "AI In Changing Roles, Relationship And Workflow In Newsroom".
Artificial intelligence, communication and accessibility issues were discussed
The fifth session of the symposium was titled "AI, Communication, and Accessibility: Transforming Media and Interaction". The session was moderated by Derya Gül Ünlü from Istanbul University.
In the session, those following made their presentations: Üsküdar University Faculty of Communication Advertising Department Head Prof. Özgül Dağlı and Res. Asst. Bahşende Çoban Azizoğlu, "The Role Of Advertising In The Relationshıp Between Sustainability And Artificial Intelligence"; Üsküdar University, Faculty of Communication, Department of New Media and Communication, Res. Asst. Semih Eken and Department of Public Relations and Publicity, Res. Asst. Mustafa Ekim Atay, "Voiceover vs. Talkback: Exploring AI's Role In Accessibility For Users With Visual Impairments"; Üsküdar University, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Translation and Interpreting (English) Instructor Gözde Büklüm, "Usıng AI In Interpreter Training To Give Feedback"; Üsküdar University, Faculty of Communication, Department of Journalism, Asst. Prof. Maria Pia Ester Cristaldi, “You Shall Speak My Language: Mind The Language Gap In The Era Of Al”; Dilruba Çatalbaş from Galatasaray University and Ceren Saran from Üsküdar University presented their paper titled "Use Of AI In Newsrooms: Experiences And Attitudes Of Journalists In Türkiye".
The future of artificial intelligence and data was discussed
The sixth session, titled "AI and Future of Data: Risks, Literacy, and Cultural Shifts", was moderated by Marisa Mourão from the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD-Portugal).
In the session, those following made their presentations: Hafize Nurgül Durmuş Şenyapar from Gazi University, "Al For Sustaınable Development: Risks, Challenges, And Policy Solutions For Social Good"; Elif Posos Devrani and Elif Dölen from Turkish-German University, "Media Literacy In The Age Of Artificial Intelligence: Expanding Educational Frameworks"; Sara Pascoal and Rosa Mesquita, "When Skin Is Replaced By Steel: Robots, L.L.M.S, And The Reconstruction Of Cultural And Social Norms", from The University of Accounting and Business in Porto (ISCAP); Paulo Couraceiro from the University of Minho and Miguel Paisana from the Institute of Lisbon University, "Algorithmic Personalization In The Evolving Pathways To News Consumption In Portugal"; Üsküdar University, Faculty of Communication, Department of Public Relations and Publicity, Asst. Prof. Özgün Arda Kuş and Mevlüde Nur Erdem from Ondokuz Mayıs University presented their paper titled "Digitalization, Reality Technologies, Al And Future Of Advertising".
Three invited speakers took part in the symposium
As part of the symposium, Helena Sousa, the invited speaker, talked about the regulatory efforts regarding the use of artificial intelligence in journalism as the President of the Portuguese Media Regulatory Authority.
The second invited speaker of the symposium, Prof. Halil Nalçaoğlu, stated in his speech that artificial intelligence transforms the processes of knowledge production and meaning creation.
The third invited speaker of the symposium, Prof. Raquel Recuero, gave a speech on the increasing power of social media platforms.
33 papers were presented in six sessions!
The international symposium titled "NEWPATH: New Paradigms in Communication Technologies and Humanity", organized in cooperation with Üsküdar University and the University of Tras-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), ended with the closing session. During the two-day symposium, 33 papers were presented in six sessions.
Prof. Nazife Güngör: "Each presentation made valuable scientific contributions"
Üsküdar University Rector Prof. Nazife Güngör made the closing speech of the symposium. Güngör stated that the event was very productive from a scientific point of view. Emphasizing that the outputs of the symposium, in which the opportunities and threats offered by artificial intelligence are evaluated, will be an important source for future research; "Each presentation provided valuable scientific contributions. Such a comprehensive and high-quality event is possible with great effort and dedication."
Assoc. Prof. Gül Esra Atalay: "Our dream has come true"
Üsküdar University Faculty of Communication New Media and Communication Department Head Assoc. Prof. Gül Esra Atalay thanked everyone who contributed to the organization of the symposium and stated that this event brought together academicians from 9 different countries and 27 different universities. Atalay said, "We dreamed of this symposium with my colleagues Bahar Muratoğlu Pehlivan and Fábio Ribeiro. Our dream has come true. I am grateful to everyone who contributed."
Assoc. Prof. Fábio Ribeiro: "I hope that this cooperation will continue for many years"
Assoc. Prof. Fábio Ribeiro from UTAD stated that they hope this event will be the beginning of a long-term academic partnership. Ribeiro said, "I hope that this cooperation with Üsküdar University, which we started last year, will continue for many years. The contributions of academics from different disciplines further reinforced the success of this event."
In-person events are planned
Dr. Orquídea Moreira Ribeiro from UTAD stated that the symposium also offered an important experience in terms of demonstrating the effective use of online tools and said that they hope that the cooperation between the two universities will continue with face-to-face events.
While the NEWPATH symposium opened new doors for interdisciplinary studies in the field of artificial intelligence and communication, it created an important ground for the academic cooperation between the two universities to continue in the future.
Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)