Artificial intelligence in communication examined in all its aspects

The 13th International Communication Days Symposium (IFİG’26), organized in cooperation with Üsküdar University Faculty of Communication and Near East University Cyprus, with the theme “Artificial Intelligence in Communication: Theory and Practice,” has concluded. The three-day symposium in Cyprus comprehensively addressed the theoretical and practical implications of artificial intelligence in the fields of communication, media, journalism, cultural studies, and audiovisual production. Approximately 350 academics from 11 different countries and 85 different universities contributed to the symposium, where many topics, from journalism to digital publishing, ethical debates to media production processes, were evaluated. IFİG’26 created an important platform for AI-focused academic collaborations, interdisciplinary studies, and professional discussions in the field of communication.

IFİG’26 began with its opening session held in the Orange Hall of Near East University Cyprus.
During the session, Prof. Dax from Near East University, Dean of Near East University Faculty of Communication Prof. Fevzi Kasap, Dean of Üsküdar University Faculty of Communication Prof. Gül Esra Atalay, and Rector of Near East University Prof. Tamer Şanlıdağ delivered speeches.

Prof. Fevzi Kasap: “Over 260 papers from 85 universities are presented”

In his opening speech, Prof. Fevzi Kasap, Dean of Near East University Faculty of Communication, touched upon current developments in artificial intelligence and communication technologies, highlighting the academic diversity of the symposium. Kasap stated; “Today, over 260 papers from 85 universities are presented here. 19 sessions will be held, and within these sessions, the most important issues of our time, along with developments related to technology and communication, will be discussed and debated. I have great confidence that it will be a productive symposium due to the diverse topics on artificial intelligence and communication tools that will be presented.”

Prof. Gül Esra Atalay: “We have made Communication Days a renowned symposium”

Prof. Gül Esra Atalay, Dean of Üsküdar University Faculty of Communication, explained the development process of the International Communication Days over the years, stating that the symposium has transformed into an international academic platform. Atalay said; “The Communication Days started 13 years ago as a modest academic event organized only with invited speakers. However, over the years, especially under the leadership of our esteemed Prof. Nazife Güngör, it has grown into a significant academic platform on an international scale. This year, approximately 350 academics from 11 different countries and 85 different universities are contributing to our symposium. This is a great source of pride for us. For 13 years, with your support, we have made the Communication Days a well-known and respected symposium in the international arena.”

Emphasizing the importance of this year's theme, artificial intelligence, for current transformations in the field of communication, Atalay stated; “Artificial intelligence is transforming every field, but the transformation in the communication and media sectors stands out more than in other sectors. We will discuss together over three days how artificial intelligence transforms professions and theoretical structures in the field of communication. I hope the symposium will not only serve as a platform for knowledge transfer but also lead to new academic collaborations and partnerships.”

Prof. Tamer Şanlıdağ: “The correct use of artificial intelligence in academia accelerates thought”

Prof. Tamer Şanlıdağ, Rector of Near East University, also made evaluations on the historical transformation of communication technologies and the effects of artificial intelligence in the field of communication. Şanlıdağ stated; “Communication has always been a matter of power. Whose voices did the printing press amplify, whose discourse did radio carry, whose reality did television establish? The answer to these questions lay with those who controlled the technology. Artificial intelligence does not radically change this equation but accelerates its scale to a speed we have never seen before. An algorithm no longer just suggests content; it frames reality. Who will be visible, which news will spread, which voice will be considered original or synthetic? These are no longer just technical questions, but questions at the heart of communication science. Communication researchers should be at the very center of this technology, not just around it. For this reason, this symposium is of great importance.”

“Artificial Intelligence Experiences of Turkish Cypriot Media” Discussed

Prof. Süleyman İrvan, Head of the Journalism Department at Üsküdar University Faculty of Communication, moderated the closing session of the symposium. In the session titled “Artificial Intelligence Experiences of Turkish Cypriot Media,” the impact of artificial intelligence applications on news production processes in the media sector, evolving practices in digital publishing, and ethical discussions were evaluated.

The session featured Chairperson of the Media Ethics Board Aysu Basri Akter, BRT Manager Meryem Özkurt, Digital Publications Coordinator of Kıbrıs Postası Canan Onurer, Editor-in-Chief of Kıbrıs Gazetesi Aytuğ Türkkan, and Asst. Prof. İbrahim Özejder, a faculty member at Near East University Faculty of Communication, as speakers.

Prof. Süleyman İrvan: “Guiding people correctly is of great importance”

Prof. Süleyman İrvan drew attention to the importance of conscious and ethical use of artificial intelligence in the media field, stating; “I worked in Cyprus intermittently for 10 years. Therefore, I know both the speakers and the Turkish Cypriot media very well. Large media organizations worldwide started establishing and using their own artificial intelligence systems from the 2010s onwards. Then, generative AI applications like ChatGPT entered our lives. We need to discuss how these applications started to be used and received in Cyprus. Nowadays, everyone has become a content creator on social media. I observed that this definition is widely used, especially in Cyprus. Therefore, we need to discuss how we can use artificial intelligence more effectively, consciously, and ethically. Not only using it but also providing training for it and guiding people correctly is of great importance.”