At the 6th Scientific Research Summit organized by Üsküdar Üniversitesi Strategic Research and Development Club, the topic of “Brain Rot in Third Millennium Youth” was discussed. Experts emphasized the negative effects of digitalization and social media on the mental health of young people, pointing out that brain rot has become a societal rather than an individual problem. At the event, many important topics were brought to the agenda, from artificial intelligence to the processes of art, from the productive and reductive aspects of the digital age to mental exhaustion. Actor and Writer Tamer Levent also participated in the program.
The event held at Üsküdar Üniversitesi South Campus Fuat Sezgin Conference Hall was attended by Prof. Dr. Barış Erdoğan, Head of the Sociology Department, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Üsküdar Üniversitesi; Dr. Lect. Nejla Polat, Department of Public Relations and Advertising at Üsküdar Üniversitesi; Lecturer at Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Medicine, Expert Clinical Psychologist Özgenur Taşkın; Ercan Büyüktepe, President of Üsküdar Üniversitesi Strategic Research and Development Club; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hale Torun, Head of the Radio, Television and Cinema Department at İstanbul Aydın University; Actor and Writer Tamer Levent; Researcher and Transdisciplinary Artist Nihal Kançu Akhuy; and Visual Arts Expert Ela Baysak.
Prof. Dr. Barış Erdoğan: “Focusing problem is not individual, but a collective problem”
Head of the Sociology Department Prof. Dr. Barış Erdoğan pointed out that the problem of focusing is not an individual but a collective one. Erdoğan said; “We looked at screens for a very long time, time passed, and it became a habit. Because it often happens to me too. Honestly, I start with ‘one minute, two minutes’ but it doesn't end. This situation is not foreign to any of us. Many people suffer similarly. Is this truly an individual matter, or is it a result imposed on us by digital culture and new media imperialism when viewed from a broader perspective? If today millions of people around the world are experiencing the same focus problem, feeling mental exhaustion, and suffering from attention deficit, it is no longer possible to see this as just an individual problem. This is a collective problem. It is a societal issue.”
Dr. Lect. Nejla Polat: “The digitalizing world brings forth the concept of ‘brain rot’”
Dr. Lect. Nejla Polat from Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Communication, Department of Public Relations and Advertising, stated that the concept of brain rot emerged as a result of the digitalizing world. Polat said, “Studies show that experts offer various solutions to prevent brain rot. These suggestions generally include paying attention to content consumed in digital environments, making an effort to socialize by communicating face-to-face with people, allocating more time to hobbies and physical activities, using the brain more functionally and focusing on useful information, reducing the time spent in digital environments, and disseminating digital media literacy education. It can be said that the digitalizing world and social media have significant effects on our mental health, and the concept of brain rot is a result of these effects.”
Özgenur Taşkın: “Brain rot is a very broad concept”
Lecturer at Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Medicine, Expert Clinical Psychologist Özgenur Taşkın emphasized that the concept of brain rot should be addressed within a very broad framework. Taşkın stated that this situation is frequently encountered in clinical settings but defined by different names; “I want to address brain rot under a few headings. Because this concept refers to a situation we frequently encounter in clinical practice but generally do not call by this name. Sometimes we encounter a picture defined as burnout syndrome, sometimes as anhedonia or depression. So, it's actually such a broad concept that we could talk about it for hours.”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hale Torun: “Artificial intelligence does not have a spiritual core”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hale Torun, Head of the Radio, Television and Cinema Department at İstanbul Aydın University, shared striking findings regarding artificial intelligence through her research. Torun emphasized that artificial intelligence does not possess consciousness and cannot have a spiritual core due to its lack of a body and experience. Despite these deficiencies of artificial intelligence, Torun stated that the philosophical and ethical dimensions of the topic can be seriously discussed, and that this field should be addressed through multifaceted research.
Artist Tamer Levent: “In consumer societies, there is no process, there is only outcome”
Actor and writer Tamer Levent emphasized that art should be evaluated not only by its resulting works but also by its intellectual process. Levent said; “It's a good thing we did this today. I was very impressed. Because for over 40 years, when I say ‘Yes to Art,’ this is exactly what I mean. What is being discussed here points to the consciousness of art. We don't perceive art as a consciousness. Yet, art means ideas. However, we only see art as the finished product of painting, sculpture, or theater. This is a typical approach of consumer societies. However, what is essential is the process. But in consumer societies, there is no process, there is always an outcome. Therefore, we always focus on the outcome.”
Nihal Konçu: “brain rot is a new term”
Researcher and Transdisciplinary Artist Nihal Konçu emphasized that the concept of brain rot is a new term. Konçu pointed out that we live a life intertwined with digital devices and social media today, and stated that the effects of these habits on our mental health should be questioned. “We get lost in screens. But how much do we know about the effects of these habits on our brains?” Konçu said, expressing that research has brought forth the concept of brain rot to define this new problem of the digital age. Konçu said; “Brain rot is a new term that means the deterioration of an individual's mental health or intellectual capacity as a result of unconscious and excessive consumption of the digitalizing world and social media.”
Ela Baysak: “The digital age affects us with its productive and reductive aspects”
Visual Arts Expert Ela Baysak drew attention to the effects of the digital age on individuals, stating that this period affects all areas of life with both its positive and negative aspects. “As in all areas of life, the digital age affects us with its productive and reductive aspects,” said Baysak, emphasizing that the artist assumes a role as a producer, observer, and questioner in this era. Baysak also touched upon John Berger's distinction between “looking and seeing” in her statement, saying, “Berger states that seeing is not just about the eyes, that seeing something is a much deeper process. Seeing is not only an aesthetic or physical perception; it also involves a deep inquiry within a social, cultural, and ideological framework.”
Ercan Büyüktepe: “This point was not reached all at once”
Ercan Büyüktepe, President of Üsküdar Üniversitesi Strategic Research and Development Club, drew attention to the timeliness and importance of the topic at this year's summit, held under the title “Brain Rot in Third Millennium Youth.” Büyüktepe said; “Today, at our 6th scientific research summit, we are once again addressing a very important topic. However, this point was not reached all at once. We continued on this path with the same passion and sense of responsibility as in our 3rd, 4th, and 5th summits.”
The event concluded after the presentation of certificates of appreciation to the participants and a group photo session.
After the event, Actor and Writer Tamer Levent signed his books for the students.