Screen addiction in the digitalizing world discussed at BARÜ
2 Mart 2026
In the event organized within the scope of Bartın University’s (BARÜ) “science cafe” initiatives, the effects of screen addiction on individual and community health were evaluated from different perspectives.
A “science cafe” event titled “Fight Against Addiction and Screen Addiction” was organized at Bartın University (BARÜ) in line with March 1-7 Green Crescent Week. In the program prepared in cooperation with the BARÜ Fight Against Addiction Office, Young Green Crescent, and the Kutlubey Youth Office, the importance of institutional cooperation in the fight against addiction and the effects of screen addiction on individual and community health were discussed by experts.
Delivering the opening speech of the program, BARÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Akkaya said, “The famous thinker Ibn Khaldun says, ‘Man is the child of his habits.’ As long as those habits do not turn into addictions. Because there is a very fine line between habit and addiction. We see that the world is facing screen addiction; individuals of all generations, regardless of age, now have phones in their hands. We can even see it as an escape route for parents from their responsibilities toward their children. Even when it is time to relieve the fatigue of the day, we continue this addiction of ours before going to sleep. We must learn to use the screen in a controlled manner without becoming addicted to the digital world.”
The following session was moderated by Prof. Dr. Özge Özgür, Director of the Vocational School of Health Services, and featured Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Specialist Dr. Berat Merih Yetim from the Bartın Provincial Directorate of Health and Psychologist Ekin Çil Çelebi from the Bartın Green Crescent Counseling Center (YEDAM) as speakers.
Pointing out that addiction is a psychosocial process, Specialist Dr. Yetim said, “Increased screen time in children and adolescents creates negative effects on sleep patterns, attention, and academic success. Excessive use of the screen is not equivalent to addiction. Addiction includes habituation, withdrawal, inability to quit, and spending too much time online. The interaction between screen addiction and artificial intelligence varies depending on use. Even if artificial intelligence increases productivity, it can be associated with technology stress and mood disorders. AI-based applications can lead to negative consequences on social comparison and body image in young people. Additionally, it can reduce attention and motivation in educational life.”
Conveying the efforts of the Green Crescent regarding addiction, Psychologist Çil Çelebi provided information, saying, “YEDAM is the Green Crescent counseling center. YEDAM provides services to addicted individuals over the age of 12, those at risk of addiction, and their families. In some cases, addicted individuals may not accept their addiction or may not want to receive support; in such cases, we start the process with the family and offer various services. Our services are free of charge, and we conduct our interviews within the framework of confidentiality. We provide psycho-social treatment services for tobacco, alcohol, gambling, substance, and internet addictions. At the same time, we aim to bring our clients to a productive position by developing their skills through workshop activities and ensuring their social harmony with society.”
The program, which was followed with interest by the students, ended after the Q&A session.
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