Cevdet Yılmaz Warns Against Digitalization and Isolation
Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz pointed out that social media isolates people and called on young people to focus on communication and production.
Speaking to youth at the Necmettin Erbakan University Academic Year Opening Program, Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz stated that social media isolates individuals, emphasizing that it has actually turned into an unsocial structure.
Social Media and Isolation Warning
Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz stated that young people need to gain proficiency in digital technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, but that this should not turn into a disconnection from social life. Pointing out that social media can isolate people, Yılmaz called on youth to place importance on teamwork, communication, and applied education.
Speaking at the Necmettin Erbakan University 2026-2027 Academic Year Opening Program, Yılmaz drew attention to the risk of isolation brought by social media, expressing that social media is actually "unsocial media" and dissociates people from society.
Teamwork and Social Relations
Emphasizing that digitalization should not distance young people from social life, Yılmaz stated that communication and teamwork carry as much importance as individual skills in working life. He expressed that success is not achieved alone, but through working together toward common goals.
Specialization in Higher Education and New Programs
Stating that universities in Turkey should specialize in areas where they are strong rather than having similar structures to one another, Yılmaz noted that the number of students is approaching 6.3 million and approximately 190,000 academic personnel are on duty. Universities are aimed at directing their research toward the country's actual needs.
It was announced that higher education programs have been reshaped according to changing economic conditions, with 175 programs whose connection to employment has weakened being removed from the system and 54 programs being transformed according to sector expectations.
The Importance of Internships and Applied Education
Calling on university students regarding applied education, Yılmaz emphasized that theoretical knowledge acquired only in the classroom will not be sufficient. Stating that internships should not be seen as a formality to be completed, Yılmaz announced that 381 vocational schools at 104 universities have been matched with 283 chambers and exchanges.
Strategic Technology Human Resources Program
Providing information on the Turkey Strategic Technology Human Resources Program, Yılmaz stated that 550 PhD students will be employed as research assistants in the first year of the program. Within five years, it is targeted to train a total of 3,000 young researchers in the fields of artificial intelligence, informatics, cybersecurity, and hardware.
The Value of Labor and Production Culture
Stating that the mindset of easy gains is spreading increasingly around the world, Yılmaz emphasized that true success is achieved through sweat, production, and labor. He expressed that the culture of production must be transferred more strongly to younger generations.