Üsküdar University Founding Rector and Chairman of the Board Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan and Faculty of Communication faculty member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aylin Tutgun Ünal edited the book ‘Metaverse: Multidimensional Life Begins!’ which is now on shelves. The book provides readers with important insights on being aware of the benevolent and malevolent consequences of the digital revolution the world is experiencing.
The book, published by DER Yayınları, addresses the topic of digital exploitation of people through artificial intelligence and metaverse, which have garnered attention recently.
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan: “We have clearly started to see global inequality deepen”
In the book's preface, Üsküdar University Founding Rector and Chairman of the Board Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, drawing attention to the digital revolution, stated: “Capitalism has produced new models of colonization. Most of the world's resources are falling into the hands of those who manage digital platforms. We have clearly started to see global inequality deepen. Just as conflict never ends in a family where there is injustice, this also applies to societies, which are an enlarged family, formed from the dynamics of a family, a miniature society.”
Digitalization is inherently neutral
Tarhan, speaking about three things that disrupt justice, said: “The three things that most disrupt justice are selfishness, opportunism, and dishonesty. These three toxic behaviors poison relationships. Favoritism increases. Trust weakens. Friends and foes become indistinguishable. Peace and tranquility are disturbed. If there is digital speed and ease, disorder spreads rapidly. Crime and violence incidents increase. Threats of pressure begin to be used to ensure control. The sense of obedience decreases. Hidden evils become widespread. Digitalization is inherently neutral. If used with the right purposes and methods, it serves humanity; if used wrongly, it globalizes evil. Ultimately, if the metaverse comes to life, people, captivated by artificial intelligence and the magic of entertainment, could become voluntary soldiers of digital exploitation.”
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan mentioned that as authors, they undertook this study to be aware of the benevolent and malevolent consequences of the digital revolution, and Tarhan extended his thanks to everyone who contributed.
The names and topics addressed in the multi-authored book, edited by Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aylin Tutgun Ünal, are as follows:
Nevzat Tarhan – Is the Universe a Simulation? Introduction to the Metaverse Ecosystem
Aylin Tutgun Ünal – Understanding Metaverse Architecture
Cem Tutar – Symbolic Transformation of the Socio-Cultural Sphere in Digital Space and Embodied Body Designs within the Axis of the Metaverse Concept
Koray Çankaya – The Final Stage of the Social: Holistic Reality and the Metaverse
Eren Ekin Ercan – Notes on Metaverse and Ideology
Murat Şahin, S.Tunay Kamer – Metaverse Sociology: Its Effects on the Individual and Society
Kevser Tozduman Yaralı – Metaverse and Child Relationship
Kader Koç – Metaverse Roadmap for Educators
Çağrı Akyol Çevirir – Schizoid and Schizotypal Personality Disorder and the Metaverse
Eda Deligöz – Metaverse and the Problem of Self
İlkem İnce – The Impact of Metaverse on Psychological Well-being
Ebru Arpacı Nart – Virtual Identities in the Metaverse: On Metaverse and Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)
Osman Sertuğ Çalışkan, Ömer Uysal – Educational Connections and Example Applications of the Metaverse World
Remziye Keskin, Aylin Tutgun Ünal – Metaverse and the Future of Communication