The 2nd New Media and Family Workshop, organized by Üsküdar University, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, AI Labs, and the Human-Oriented Communication Application and Research Center of Üsküdar University (İLİMER), was held at the Nermin Tarhan Conference Hall of Üsküdar University.
Stating that in the digital age culture is now transmitted by media rather than by the family, President of Üsküdar University, Prof. Nevzat Tarhan, said: “At present, culture is no longer transmitted by the family. It is transmitted by new media. Digital transformation is doing this. This takes us toward the construction of a new civilization in the world. Globally, we are all inside this process.” Pointing out that some families even set a place at the table for mobile phones, Tarhan emphasized the importance of setting aside certain times during the week as a “digital detox” within the family.
Rector of Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Prof. Cüneyt Erenoğlu, said: “Today, new media is both popular and an area that changes very rapidly. It creates both opportunities and threats for the institution of the family.”
Rector of Üsküdar University, Prof. Nazife Güngör, evaluated the effects of digitalization on family structure and said: “This year is the Year of the Family. We need to put the family back on the table and re-evaluate it. As a society, as a world, as humanity, we need to reconsider our understanding that accepts the family as the core structure in the light of the digital age.”
The 2nd New Media and Family Workshop, organized by Üsküdar University, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, AI Labs, and İLİMER, was held at the Nermin Tarhan Conference Hall of Üsküdar University.
Focusing on the transformation of the family under new media technologies, one of today’s most critical issues, the workshop began with strong participation. It opened scientific discussion on how digitalization affects our communication styles and the dynamics of the family, our most fundamental institution.
The opening speeches of the workshop were delivered by the Dean of the Faculty of Communication, Prof. Gül Esra Atalay, the Rector of Üsküdar University, Prof. Nazife Güngör, the Rector of Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Prof. Cüneyt Erenoğlu, and the President of Üsküdar University, Prof. Nevzat Tarhan.
Prof. Tarhan: “The family institution in Türkiye is currently disabled”
Drawing attention to the risks faced by the family institution in both the world and Türkiye, Prof. Nevzat Tarhan emphasized that digital transformation has pushed the family into a secondary role in the transmission of culture.
Referring to December 3, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Prof. Tarhan said that it overlaps with today’s family structure and continued: “December 3 is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Just as individuals can be disabled, institutions can also become disabled. At present, the family institution in Türkiye is disabled. The family institution has also become disabled in the world.”
“The strongest place of a society should be the inside of the home”
Emphasizing the fundamental importance of the family for a society, Prof. Tarhan stated that the weakening of the family structure would bring heavy costs to countries in the long run and said: “Where should the strongest place of a society be? It should be the inside of the home. Because the family institution raises people and transmits culture.”
We are moving toward the construction of a new civilization
Stating that in the digital age culture is now transmitted by media rather than by the family, Prof. Tarhan said: “At present, culture is no longer transmitted by the family. It is transmitted by new media. Digital transformation is doing this. This takes us toward the construction of a new civilization in the world. Globally, we are all inside this process.” Touching on the increase in single parent families and births outside marriage in Western countries, Prof. Tarhan reminded that Türkiye is also affected by this trend and shared international data as follows: “Single parent families are also increasing in Türkiye. The rate of births outside marriage in Türkiye is 2.9 percent. But this rate is very high in Northern European countries: 59 percent in France, 56 percent in Sweden and Norway, 69 percent in Iceland, and 44 percent in Germany. These are rates of births outside marriage. In other words, there is a global trend against the family and marriage.” Stating that the negative effects of this trend on child and adolescent mental health are clearly observed in practice, Prof. Tarhan said: “As psychiatrists, we see the results of this. Child mental health disorders are increasing. There is an increase in violence, crime rates, addiction, and suicides.”
“Suicide cases increased by 734 percent between 2000 and 2025”
Drawing attention to the dramatic increase in suicide cases on a global scale, Prof. Tarhan said: “Suicide cases increased by 734 percent between 2000 and 2025. Seven hundred thirty-four percent. This is a very large figure. Because of this increase, the United Nations prepared a suicide prevention project.” Stating that efforts to strengthen the family institution must continue, Prof. Tarhan said: “The transformation in the family emerges especially with the changes brought by the digital age. First, the form of communication has changed. In the past, face to face communication was dominant. Now we have screen to screen communication. Not from heart to heart, but from screen to screen. This has changed both our communication style and our time management.” Stating that the speed pressure of the digital world weakens patience, attention, and continuity of thinking in both adults and young people, Prof. Tarhan said: “The effort to keep up with the speed of the screen has reduced patience and distracted attention among young people. There is pressure to ‘talk less, talk fast, do not exceed one minute.’ Explaining a great truth in a short time has become difficult, but the conditions of the time impose this.”
Stating that the digital age has eroded relationship dynamics in terms of quality, Prof. Tarhan said: “The number of relationships has increased, but their quality has decreased. Deep and meaningful relationships have weakened, friendships have become superficial. This seriously reduces the quality of relationships.”
The culture of comparison has grown, everyone compares themselves with what they see in digital spaces
Emphasizing that digital transformation has strong effects on personal identity and values, Prof. Tarhan continued: “Identities and values have changed globally. The culture of showing off and the culture of likes have come to the fore. What is presented as a measure of worth has become the number of likes received. The culture of comparison has grown. Everyone compares themselves with what they see in digital spaces. Most of it is fake happiness, fake entertainment, fake smiles. However, people think these are real.”
Digital infidelity and the erosion of privacy in the family
Drawing attention to the new vulnerabilities created by digitalization in intra-family relations, Prof. Tarhan said: “Digital infidelity has increased greatly. In one sense, digitalization has made some realities visible. In the past, ‘a liar’s candle burned until nightfall,’ now it burns until the internet. But digital infidelity seriously affects the family. In addition, tablets have become the open door of the house. Parents think, ‘My child is right in front of me,’ but the child’s unlimited access to the digital world creates a major risk.”
The development of emotional brain areas is weakening
Explaining the effects of the digital age on the child’s brain, Prof. Tarhan said: “When digital communication without emotional tone replaces social and physical contact, the brain areas related to social skills do not develop. Emotional skills remain weak. The clinical counterpart of this is autism. A condition now described as ‘learned autism’ has emerged.” Referring to international restrictions on screen use, Prof. Tarhan stated: “In Northern Europe, screen use for ages 0 to 3 has been completely banned. In Australia, restrictions have been imposed until the age of 16. In our country, child psychiatry applies limits such as ‘not more than 21 hours per week, 3 hours per day.’ We observe an increase in children hospitalized due to screen exposure.” Emphasizing that the digital age directs individuals toward the pursuit of pleasure, Prof. Tarhan said: “A dopamine-oriented philosophy of life is one of the most important characteristics of this age. As pleasure orientation increases, dopamine rises in the brain and serotonin drops. Serotonin is related to meaning-based happiness. In other words, pleasure increases but meaning decreases.”
The line between individualization and selfishness
Pointing out that modern culture turns individualization into selfishness, Prof. Tarhan said: “Individualization is right, but turning it into selfishness is wrong. The understanding that ‘what gives me pleasure is good, what does not is bad’ reduces sharing and empathy within the family. Human beings do not live only for their own interests. They must establish a balance between their own interests and the interests of the family, the country, and humanity. The balance between freedom and responsibility is the basis of meaning. In modern countries, the understanding that ‘the family is not sacred, the individual is sacred’ is becoming widespread, and this weakens family bonds.” Stating that one of the greatest risks of our age is self-esteem dependent on external approval, Prof. Nevzat Tarhan said: “Today, self-esteem is measured not by one’s inner values, but by the likes and approval one receives. Self-esteem dependent on external causes collapses very easily. This is one of the most important causes of depression.”
“Let us ban the banning of artificial intelligence”
Stating that technology and digitalization have become an irreversible part of life, Prof. Tarhan said: “We missed the industrial revolution, but we must not miss the artificial intelligence revolution. We said in the senate, ‘Let us ban the banning of artificial intelligence.’ Because if used correctly, it produces tremendous benefits. What we need to do is to research and develop benevolent use.”
A plate at the table also for phones
Drawing attention to the aspects of digitalization that harm intra-family relations, Prof. Tarhan also explained solution proposals. Recommending that phones be completely removed during meals, Prof. Tarhan stated that in some families even a “plate for collecting phones” has emerged. He emphasized that age-based screen rules should be made mandatory and that the state has accelerated regulatory efforts in this regard. He also underlined the importance of allocating certain weekly time periods within the family as “digital detox.” Prof. Tarhan said: “With practices such as family day, mother’s day, and father’s day, children can be separated from digital life, even if only for short periods. In this way, the toxic effects of digitalization are reduced and its positive effects can continue to be utilized.” Stating that there is no need for pessimism, Prof. Tarhan emphasized that technology is not a tool that weakens people, but one that strengthens them when used correctly.
Prof. Cüneyt Erenoğlu: “Today, new media is both popular and a very rapidly changing field”
Rector of Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Prof. Cüneyt Erenoğlu, began his speech by commemorating December 3, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Stating that he could not physically attend the workshop due to a scheduling conflict, Prof. Erenoğlu said: “I congratulate our disabled and disadvantaged citizens on their day. I send my love and respect from Çanakkale.” Emphasizing that the age is changing at a dizzying pace, Prof. Erenoğlu stated that the transformation in the fields of information, communication, and technology, in particular, directly affects the family structure. Noting that new media technologies are influential across a wide range of areas, from individuals’ communication styles to social relations, from the social development of children and youth to family dynamics, Prof. Erenoğlu said: “Today, new media is both popular and a very rapidly changing field. It creates both opportunities and threats for the family institution. Discussing this transformation on a scientific basis and producing solutions has now become a necessity for our society.” Stating that as ÇOMÜ they actively carry out studies in new media research, digital society, artificial intelligence, communication psychology, and family studies, Prof. Erenoğlu said that raising awareness among young people on media literacy, digital ethics, and safe communication is highly important, and that developing scientifically based guidance models against digital risks threatening the family is among the university’s priorities.
Prof. Nazife Güngör: “We need to put the family back on the table and re-evaluate it”
Evaluating the effects of digitalization on family structure, Rector of Üsküdar University, Prof. Nazife Güngör, said: “This year is the Year of the Family. We need to put the family back on the table and re-evaluate it. As a society, as a world, as humanity, we need to reconsider our understanding that accepts the family as the core structure in the light of the digital age. As digital technologies enter our lives, they also transform forms of communication in society. This transformation reshapes our attitudes, behaviors, values, and most importantly, our relationships.”
Stating that the virtual world has now become an inseparable part of life but that serious risks may arise when harmony with the real world cannot be achieved, Prof. Güngör said: “Alongside the real world, we are now all individuals of the virtual world. We also conduct our relationships there. The harmony between the real and virtual worlds is of great importance for our individual and social health. Otherwise, chaos emerges in the emotional, spiritual, and mental structure of the individual. This chaos spreads to the family structure, then to society, and ultimately to the world.”
Some technologies in history have become a burden for humanity
Drawing attention to the global risks that may arise from the misuse of digital technologies, Prof. Güngör stated: “Throughout history, human beings have produced new technologies, but some of these technologies have become a burden for humanity. With the splitting of the atom, major developments occurred, but the atomic bomb was also produced and mass destruction took place. In the same way, in order for digital technologies not to lead to chaotic processes, the right philosophy and the right policies are required.” Emphasizing that the family is the most fundamental structure in which an individual’s character is shaped, Prof. Güngör said: “Each of us is born into a family. The first codes that are implanted in us there shape our personality. The more positive family relationships are, the more positive society becomes. However, no good comes from individuals who grow up with negative relationships. For this reason, policies must be developed so that family relationships are conducted in a balanced way and the digital world does not distance these relationships.”
Prof. Gül Esra Atalay: “The first workshop was held in 2019”
In her opening speech at the 2nd New Media and Family Workshop, the Dean of the Faculty of Communication, Prof. Gül Esra Atalay, emphasized the importance of the workshop by evaluating the transformation that the digital age has created on the family. Stating that after the strong need revealed by the first workshop held in 2019, they created a more comprehensive and in-depth discussion platform in 2025, Prof. Atalay said:
“In the last six years, digitalization entered our homes like a wind and turned into a storm.”
“The family is being shaped right in the middle of the digital world”
Stating that new media affects family relationships in a multidimensional way, Prof. Atalay said: “We are living in an age where a phone screen comes between the eye contact of a parent and a child, where the most private moments are spread to the whole world with a single click, and where communication between spouses is reshaped by digital jealousy. The family is no longer experienced only within four walls; it is being shaped right in the middle of the digital world.” Stating that the speed at which technology transforms social structure is increasing, Prof. Atalay said that the main purpose of the workshop is to produce solution proposals that will protect the family within this rapid change.
“We will make a atrong contribution to the Year of the Family”
Drawing attention to the importance of 2025 being declared the “Year of the Family,” Prof. Atalay said: “We may not be able to slow down the speed of the digital age, but we can choose to stop and think, to produce together, and to seek solutions in order to strengthen the family. We will make a strong contribution to the Year of the Family. The collective wisdom that will emerge here today will be a major step toward stronger families of tomorrow.”
Prof. Deniz Yengin drew attention to the effects of digital technologies on family life
In his speech at the 2nd New Media and Family Workshop, Prof. Deniz Yengin, a faculty member of the ÇOMÜ Faculty of Communication, drew attention to the effects of digital technologies on family life. Reminding that the number of new media departments in Türkiye increased from 20 to 70 after the first workshop held in 2019, Prof. Yengin said: “This situation brings with it the obligation to educate qualified digital communication professionals.” Emphasizing that digital addiction has now turned into screen addiction, Prof. Yengin stated that due to social media and rapid content consumption, children experience problems with patience, and that intra-family communication is seriously affected by this process. Prof. Yengin also warned about the use of artificial intelligence and said: “Children receive support from artificial intelligence. We cannot prevent this, but we must teach them how to use it correctly.”
Group photo session
Following the opening speeches, a group photo session was held. During the workshop, in sessions that lasted throughout the day and were held simultaneously, a wide range of issues were discussed, from communication between spouses to child-parent relationships, from AI-supported media culture to family values. The challenges brought by new media to the family, as well as the opportunities it offers, were thoroughly examined. The final declaration of the workshop is expected to be shared with the public in the coming days.