The 2nd New Media and Family Workshop, organized by Üsküdar Üniversitesi, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart Üniversitesi, AI Labs, and Üsküdar Üniversitesi Human-Oriented Communication Application and Research Center (İLİMER), was held at Üsküdar Üniversitesi Nermin Tarhan Conference Hall.
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, Founding Rector of Üsküdar Üniversitesi, stating that culture in the digital age is now transmitted by media rather than family, said, “Currently, culture transmission is no longer done by the family; new media does it. Digital transformation does it. This is leading us towards building a new civilization in the world. Globally, we are all in this process.” Tarhan, pointing out that some families even place a plate for phones at the dinner table, emphasized the importance of allocating specific times each week for “digital detox” within the family.
Prof. Dr. Cüneyt Erenoğlu, Rector of Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart Üniversitesi: “Today, new media is both a popular and very rapidly changing field. It creates both opportunities and threats for the institution of family.”
Prof. Dr. Nazife Güngör, Rector of Üsküdar Üniversitesi, evaluating the effects of digitalization on the family structure, said, “This year is the Year of the Family. We need to re-evaluate the family, and as a society, as the world, as humanity, revisit our understanding of the family as a core structure in light of the digital age.”
The 2nd New Media and Family Workshop, organized by Üsküdar Üniversitesi, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart Üniversitesi, AI Labs, and Üsküdar Üniversitesi Human-Oriented Communication Application and Research Center (İLİMER), was held at Üsküdar Üniversitesi Nermin Tarhan Conference Hall.
Addressing the transformation of new media technologies on the family, one of today's most critical issues, the “2nd New Media and Family Workshop” began with high participation. The workshop opened a discussion, from a scientific perspective, on how digitalization affects our communication forms and the dynamics of the family, our most fundamental institution.
The opening speeches of the workshop were delivered by Prof. Dr. Gül Esra Atalay, Dean of the Faculty of Communication of the University; Prof. Dr. Nazife Güngör, Rector of Üsküdar Üniversitesi; Prof. Dr. Cüneyt Erenoğlu, Rector of Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart Üniversitesi; and Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, Founding Rector of Üsküdar Üniversitesi.
Prof. Dr. Tarhan: “Currently, the family institution in Turkey is disabled”
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, Founding Rector of Üsküdar Üniversitesi, drew attention to the risks faced by the family institution in the world and in Turkey, emphasizing that digital transformation has pushed the family into the background in culture transmission.
Reminding of December 3rd, International Day of Persons with Disabilities, in his speech, Prof. Dr. Tarhan stated that this day coincided with thoughts on the family structure, continuing as follows:
“December 3rd is International Day of Persons with Disabilities… Just as individuals can be disabled, institutions can also be disabled. Currently, the family institution in Turkey is disabled. The family institution has also become disabled globally.”
“The strongest place in a society should be inside the home”
Emphasizing the fundamental importance of the family for a society, Prof. Dr. Tarhan stated that the weakening of the family structure would bring heavy costs to countries in the long run and continued, “Where should the strongest place in a society be? It should be inside the home. Because the family institution raises people and transmits culture.”
We are moving towards building a new civilization
Prof. Dr. Tarhan stated that in the digital age, culture is now transmitted by media rather than by family, saying, “Currently, culture transmission is no longer done by the family; new media does it. Digital transformation does it. This is leading us towards building a new civilization in the world. Globally, we are all in this process.”
Referring to the increase in single-parent families and out-of-wedlock births in Western countries, Prof. Dr. Tarhan reminded that Turkey is also affected by this trend and shared international data as follows:
“Single-parent families are also increasing in Turkey. The out-of-wedlock birth rate in Turkey is 2.9 percent. But in Northern European countries, this rate is very high: 59 percent in France, 56 percent in Sweden and Norway, 69 percent in Iceland, 44 percent in Germany. These are out-of-wedlock birth rates; meaning there is a global trend against family and marriage.”
Prof. Dr. Tarhan stated that the negative effects of this trend, especially on child and adolescent mental health, are clearly visible in the field, saying, “As psychiatrists, we see the consequences of this. Child mental health disorders are increasing. There is an increase in incidents of violence, crime rates, addiction, and suicides.”
“Suicide cases increased by 734 percent between 2000 and 2025”
Prof. Dr. Tarhan drew attention to the dramatic increase in suicide cases on a global scale, stating, “Suicide cases increased by 734 percent between 2000 and 2025. 734 percent! This is a very large number. Due to this increase, the United Nations prepared a suicide prevention project.”
Prof. Dr. Tarhan stated that efforts to strengthen the family institution must continue, saying, “The transformation in the family particularly emerges with the changes brought by the digital age. Firstly, the communication style has changed. Previously, face-to-face communication was dominant; now there is screen-to-screen communication. Not heart-to-heart, but screen-to-screen… This has changed both our communication style and our time management.”
Prof. Dr. Tarhan stated that the pressure of speed in the digital world weakens patience, attention, and continuity of thought in both adults and young people, saying, “The effort to keep up with screen speed has reduced patience in young people and divided attention. There is pressure to ‘speak little, speak fast, don’t exceed one minute.’ It has become difficult to convey a great truth briefly, but the conditions of the time impose this.”
Prof. Dr. Tarhan stated that the digital age has eroded relationship dynamics in terms of quality, saying, “The number of relationships has increased, but quality has declined. Deep and meaningful relationships have weakened, and friendships have become superficial. This seriously reduces relationship quality.”
Comparison culture grew; everyone compares themselves with what they see digitally
Emphasizing that digital transformation also creates strong effects on personal identity and values, Prof. Dr. Tarhan continued his speech by saying, “Identities and values have changed globally. A culture of showing off, a culture of likes, has come to the fore. The measure of worth presented became the number of likes received. Comparison culture grew; everyone compares themselves with what they see digitally. Most of it is fake happiness, fake entertainment, fake smiles… But people perceive these as real.”
Digital infidelity and the erosion of privacy in the family
Prof. Dr. Tarhan also drew attention to the new vulnerabilities created by digitalization in family relationships, saying, “Digital infidelity has increased greatly. In one respect, digitalization has made some realities visible; previously, ‘a liar’s candle burned until the evening prayer,’ now it burns until the internet. But digital infidelity seriously affects the family. Moreover, tablets have become the open door of the home. Parents think ‘my child is in front of my eyes,’ but a child’s unlimited access to the digital world poses a great risk.”
The development of emotional brain areas is weakening
Prof. Dr. Tarhan, conveying the effects of the digital age on the child’s brain, said, “When digital communication without emotional tone replaces social and physical contact, brain areas related to social skills do not develop. Emotional skills remain weak. The clinical equivalent of this is autism. Currently, a condition defined as ‘learned autism’ has emerged.”
Prof. Dr. Tarhan, referring to international restrictions on screen use, stated, “In Northern Europe, screen use for ages 0-3 has been completely banned. In Australia, restrictions have been imposed up to the age of 16. In child psychiatry in Turkey, there are practices like ‘do not exceed 21 hours a week, 3 hours a day.’ We observe an increase in children hospitalized due to screen exposure.”
Prof. Dr. Tarhan emphasized that the digital age directs individuals to pursue pleasure, saying, “The dopamine-focused philosophy of life is one of the most important features of this age. As pleasure-seeking increases, dopamine levels in the brain rise, and serotonin levels fall. Serotonin is related to the happiness of meaning. So, pleasure increases, but meaning decreases.”
The line between individualism and egoism
Prof. Dr. Tarhan, pointing out that modern culture turns individualism into egoism, said, “Individualism is correct, but its transformation into egoism is wrong. The understanding of ‘what gives me pleasure is good, what does not give pleasure is bad’ reduces sharing and empathy in the family. Humans are not beings who live solely for their own interests. One must balance their own interests with those of the family, the country, and humanity. The balance of freedom and responsibility is the foundation of meaning. In modern countries, the understanding that ‘family is not sacred, the individual is sacred’ is becoming widespread; this weakens family ties.”
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan stated that one of the biggest risks of the age is self-esteem based on external approval, saying, “Today, self-esteem is measured not by one’s inner values, but by the likes and approval received. Self-esteem dependent on external reasons is very easily shattered. This situation is one of the most important causes of depression.”
“Let’s ban banning artificial intelligence”
Stating that technology and digitalization are now an irreversible part of life, Prof. Dr. Tarhan said, “We missed the industrial revolution, but we must not miss the artificial intelligence revolution. In the Senate, we discussed ‘Let’s ban banning artificial intelligence.’ Because if used correctly, it produces tremendous benefits. What we need to do is research and develop benevolent use.”
A plate for phones at the dinner table…
Prof. Dr. Tarhan drew attention to the aspects of digitalization that harm family relationships and also explained solution proposals.
Prof. Dr. Tarhan, recommending that phones be completely removed during meals, stated that some families have even adopted the practice of a “plate where phones are collected.” Prof. Dr. Tarhan, saying that screen rules based on age should be made mandatory and that the state is accelerating regulatory efforts on this matter, emphasized the importance of allocating specific times each week for “digital detox” within the family.
Prof. Dr. Tarhan said, “Through practices like ‘Family Day,’ ‘Mother’s Day,’ ‘Father’s Day,’ children can be separated from digital devices, even if for a short time. Thus, the toxic effects of digitalization are reduced, and its positive effects continue to be utilized.”
Prof. Dr. Tarhan stated that there is no need for pessimism, underlining that technology is not a tool that weakens people, but one that empowers them when used correctly.
Prof. Dr. Cüneyt Erenoğlu: “Today, new media is both a popular and very rapidly changing field”
Prof. Dr. Cüneyt Erenoğlu, Rector of Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart Üniversitesi, began his speech by reminding of December 3rd, International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Stating that he could not physically attend the workshop due to a program conflict, Prof. Dr. Erenoğlu said, “I celebrate the day of our disabled and disadvantaged citizens. I send my love and regards from Çanakkale.”
Prof. Dr. Erenoğlu emphasized that the age is changing at a dizzying pace, stating that the transformation in the fields of information, communication, and technology, in particular, directly affects the family structure.
Prof. Dr. Erenoğlu noted that new media technologies are effective in a wide range of areas, from individuals' communication styles to social relationships, from the social development of children and youth to intra-family dynamics, and said, “Today, new media is both a popular and very rapidly changing field. It creates both opportunities and threats for the institution of family. Discussing this transformation on a scientific basis and producing solutions is now a necessity for our society.”
Prof. Dr. Erenoğlu stated that as ÇOMÜ, they actively conduct new media research, digital society, artificial intelligence, communication psychology, and family studies. He added that they prioritize raising awareness among young people about media literacy, digital ethics, and safe communication, and that developing scientifically based guidance models against digital risks threatening the family is among the university's priorities.
Prof. Dr. Nazife Güngör: “We need to re-evaluate the family”
Prof. Dr. Nazife Güngör, Rector of Üsküdar Üniversitesi, evaluating the effects of digitalization on the family structure, said, “This year is the Year of the Family. We need to re-evaluate the family, and as a society, as the world, as humanity, revisit our understanding of the family as a core structure in light of the digital age. As digital technologies become a part of our lives, they also transform communication forms in society. This transformation reshapes our attitudes, behaviors, values, and most importantly, our relationships.”
Prof. Dr. Güngör stated that the virtual world is now an inseparable part of life, but if harmony with the real world cannot be achieved, this can lead to serious risks, saying, “In addition to the real world, we are all now individuals of the virtual world. We also conduct our relationships there. The harmony between the real and virtual worlds is of great importance for our individual and social health. Otherwise, chaos will form in the individual’s emotional, spiritual, and mental structure; this chaos will spread to the family structure, then to society, and ultimately to the world.”
In history, some technologies became a problem for humanity
Prof. Dr. Güngör drew attention to the global risks that the misuse of digital technologies can create, stating, “Throughout history, humans have produced new technologies; however, some of these technologies have become a problem for humanity. Great developments occurred with the splitting of the atom, but the atomic bomb was also produced, and mass destructions occurred. Similarly, for digital technologies not to lead to chaotic processes, the right philosophy and right policies are necessary.”
Prof. Dr. Güngör pointed out that the family is the most fundamental structure where an individual’s character is shaped, saying, “Each of us is born into a family. The first codings instilled in us there form our personality. The more positive family relationships are, the more positive society will be. However, individuals raised with negative relationships bring no good to anyone. Therefore, policies should be developed to manage family relationships in a balanced way and to prevent the digital world from alienating these relationships.”
Prof. Dr. Gül Esra Atalay: “The first workshop was held in 2019”
Prof. Dr. Gül Esra Atalay, Dean of the Faculty of Communication of the University, in her opening speech at the 2nd New Media and Family Workshop, evaluated the transformation of the digital age on the family and emphasized the importance of the workshop. Prof. Dr. Atalay stated that after the strong need revealed by the first workshop held in 2019, they created a more comprehensive and in-depth discussion platform in 2025, saying, “In the last six years, digitalization entered our homes like a breeze and turned into a storm.”
“The family is shaped right in the middle of the digital world”
Prof. Dr. Atalay stated that new media affects family relationships in a multifaceted way, saying, “We are in an age where a phone screen comes between a parent and child’s eye contact, where the most intimate moments are spread to the whole world with a single click, and where communication between spouses is reshaped by digital jealousy. The family no longer lives only within four walls; it is shaped right in the middle of the digital world.”
Prof. Dr. Atalay stated that the speed of technology transforming social structure has increased, and said that the main purpose of the workshop is to produce solution proposals to protect the family within this rapid change.
“We will make a strong contribution to the Year of the Family”
Prof. Dr. Atalay drew attention to the importance of 2025 being declared the “Year of the Family,” saying, “We may not be able to slow down the pace of the digital age, but we can choose to pause and reflect, create together, and seek solutions to strengthen the family. We will make a strong contribution to the Year of the Family. The collective wisdom presented here today will be a big step for stronger families tomorrow.”
Prof. Dr. Deniz Yengin drew attention to the effects of digital technologies on family life
Prof. Dr. Deniz Yengin, a faculty member at ÇOMÜ Faculty of Communication, in his speech at the 2nd New Media and Family Workshop, drew attention to the effects of digital technologies on family life. Prof. Dr. Yengin reminded that after the first workshop held in 2019, the number of new media departments in Turkey increased from 20 to 70, saying, “This situation brings with it the necessity of training qualified digital communicators.”
Prof. Dr. Yengin emphasized that digital addiction has now turned into screen addiction, stating that children experience patience problems due to social media and rapid content consumption, and that intra-family communication is seriously affected by this process.
Prof. Dr. Yengin also issued warnings regarding the use of artificial intelligence, saying, “Children are getting support from artificial intelligence, we cannot prevent this; but we must teach them how to use it correctly.”
Group photo session
Following the opening speeches, a group photo session was held. Throughout the day, simultaneous sessions at the workshop will cover a wide range of topics, from communication between spouses to child-parent relationships, from AI-supported media culture to family values, discussing the challenges and opportunities new media brings to the family. The workshop’s final declaration is expected to be shared with the public in the coming days.
