Üsküdar Üniversitesi Founding Rector Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan participated in a live broadcast organized by the Independent Student Platform. Making striking evaluations regarding the topic “New Truths in Youth,” Tarhan warned young people not to be digitally isolated. Tarhan, inviting young people to be open to innovations in the rapid changes of the digital world, also reminded them that they should not be deprived of social skills.
The program, which took place via Youtube, was moderated by Muhammed Maşuk Kosdik, Vice President of Organization of the Independent Student Platform.
“Young people should have minds open to innovation”
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, noting that rapid changes escape the realities in the digital world, said; “Generation Z is growing up in the digital world. We are observing rapid changes. Adapting to new conditions means having the right experiences. We must give new answers to old questions. The generation born into the digital world is very lucky, not a threat. Young people should see this as an opportunity and develop themselves. They should have minds open to innovation.”
“One cannot be universal without being local”
Tarhan, making evaluations that cultural imperialism was a historical mistake in the past, said; “Our mental ciphers and codes were occupied. We became a product of the West. Our values changed culturally. We considered Western culture superior. We should not be culturally dependent. We must protect our own culture and stand behind our values. Let's define our cultural codes. Let's be proud to be a part of our culture as individuals; one cannot be universal without being local.”
“Young people should not be digitally isolated”
Tarhan also drew attention to the changing forms of human relationships. “Young people adapt to this change. Because they were born into this world and quickly grasped it. It would be much better if they evaluate human relationships and our values in a local sense. We are in a period of high changes. They should not be digitally isolated. An increase in feelings of loneliness is observed among young people. They should not think this way about this issue. May our human relationships not change.”
“Young people should not be deprived of social skills”
Emphasizing the importance of social skills for young people, Tarhan gave advice to them by delivering messages of awareness. Tarhan said; “Mental development and social skills are very important. Currently, individuals dependent on digital tools are growing up. In such situations, mental development regresses. Young people should be aware of social skills. Let's be the subject, not the object, of social media and digital tools. Let there be a youth open to innovations, who does not give up on their own values. There should be a productive youth, not a consumer one. Let's see visionary individuals. Social transformations are important. Young people should not be deprived of social skills.”