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