Mobile devices, which we never leave with us for a moment, have become an indispensable part of our lives in the last decade. Especially the increase in internet speed and usage, mobile applications that develop and make our lives easier, and the innovations that come with the speed, change and transformation of technology have profoundly affected our daily lives. So much so that for many people, especially the new generation, staying away from the internet connection has become a situation no different from being pushed out of life. While communication and chats are carried out on the internet, holiday celebrations, congratulations and many other special sharings can instantly reach hundreds or even thousands of people with a single click. We have internalized this interesting and essentially foreign situation to such an extent that we even wonder how we used to live without the internet, even the ordinary way of life that humanity has been leading for thousands of years. We started questioning. We began to share each other’s happiness or sadness with fake smile, laughter or sadness icons on dull phone screens where there was no emotion, sincerity and sincerity. While our mood changes within seconds, even moment by moment, we created a new life format by indexing it to a small device. Friends, families, siblings, spouses and especially children moved most of their communication to these mobile devices. Nowadays, it is so rare, so distant that people look into each other’s eyes and touch each other’s hearts as brothers while talking! The value of being able to ask how one is doing in a sincere gathering of friends over a cup of coffee that has been remembered for forty years has become an immeasurable value! Our hands are always on our phones, our eyes are always looking for something new! This device crashed into the middle of our lives like a huge meteorite and turned everything upside down in an instant.
As we say more communication, more sharing and more sociality, we have actually become increasingly disconnected from life, moved away from reality and become shattered. At this point, this paradox that we are not aware of but that we have fallen into is now a medical disease. This malady called technology addiction has perhaps surrounded many of us. Understanding this magnificent nature decorated with the unique embroideries of the Creator, our parents, our children, life and humanity, who are the precious ones of our short lives, is much more valuable than drowning in this small device. For this, we need to lift our heads from this technology graveyard in which we have sunk to the bottom and look around. Otherwise, we will pass away from this world without being aware of our rapidly passing life, without being able to question ourselves and learn the necessary lessons from life.
Apart from its bad aspects, of course, technology is now a part of humanity and life. We must accept this, but it would be a more rational behavior to use it moderately and regularly rather than giving it exaggerated importance and integrating it into life. Staying away from technology, especially in terms of the development of industry and commerce, would be no different from turning your back on the requirements of the age. It is very important that we take “realistic” action on the issues of Industry 4.0 and digitalization, which are talked about conceptually. If we want to catch up with the world and be more competitive and pioneering, we have to do this. If we direct the young and dynamic population in our country to these fields in a rational manner, it is inevitable that we will be successful. If we do not keep technological developments such as 5G, robotic technologies and artificial intelligence, which are said to radically change life, on our country’s agenda, we may lose both our present and our future. If we want a Turkey that is not drowning in the agenda but determines the agenda and even the future parameters, we must invest in technology continuously and systematically, provided that we determine its purpose correctly. Children born today will have many different professions that perhaps have not even been invented yet. We must see this and take this fact into account in all our plans. While change and transformation are so rapid, missing this trend will be one of the biggest mistakes to be made. Of course, we should never forget that we should not lose our humanity and sensitivity while turning to technique and technology.
On March 18, Çanakkale Victory and Martyrs’ Memorial Day, I remember with mercy and gratitude our martyrs who shed their blood and gave their lives without hesitation for the sake of this country, and I wish their souls to rest in peace. In addition, I congratulate the women of our country and all over the world on March 8, International Working Women’s Day, and I respectfully greet you with the hope that women will reach the place they deserve in society as soon as possible.
Giyasettin Eyyüpkoca
