Warning from the President of Religious Affairs on New Media

The President of Religious Affairs, Prof. Dr. Ali Erbaş, stated that new media is effective in changing perceptions and thoughts, saying “In new media platforms, perception often overrides reality, and virtual reality can suppress the truth.”

Opened with the Theme of Fair, Media, and Consciousness

The “TDV Devr-i Alem Youth Fair” organized by the Turkey Religious Foundation (TDV) Women Family and Youth Center (KAGEM) started at the Ankara Kocatepe Mosque fairground. The fair is organized to raise awareness among youth about media usage, literacy, and management.

Speaking at the opening of the fair, the President of Religious Affairs, Prof. Dr. Ali Erbaş, emphasized the significant impact of media on individuals and society throughout history.

Pointing out the diversification of media with the advancement of communication technologies, Erbaş used the expression “The development and change observed in media tools have led to the diversification and increase of information sources.”

Erbaş emphasized the importance of correct internet usage, stating, “Today’s world has almost blurred the line between the virtual and the real thanks to internet technologies.”

Highlighting the important role of media in changing perceptions and thoughts, Erbaş said, “In new media platforms, perception often overrides reality, and virtual reality can suppress the truth.”

Erbaş remarked that they witnessed a world where visuality is emphasized in the media, stating, “With the impact of developments in information and communication technologies, the media has become the main channel for encouraging the unity of dominant cultures.”

Erbaş stated the need to question the information presented in the media, saying, “It is important to be conscious in order to protect oneself from the negative effects of mass communication tools and be aware of their risks.”

38 civil society organizations participated in the fair. Participating organizations will have the opportunity to present their work to the youth and carry out their activities. The fair can be visited until May 12th.