Prof. Dr. Sezer Kanbul, Head of the Digital Education and Information Directorate at Near East University, addressed the topics of artificial intelligence, digital well-being, and transformation in education as the keynote speaker at the “C-HOPE 2026 International Congress on Holistic Development and Positive Education.”
Near East University, ranked among the top 500 universities in the world, continues to share its knowledge and experience in academic events. Prof. Dr. Sezer Kanbul, Head of the Digital Education and Information Directorate (DEBİM) at Near East University, participated as the keynote speaker at the “C-HOPE 2026 – International Congress on Holistic Development and Positive Education”, hosted by Kyrenia American University and organized in collaboration with the Ministry of National Education of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Prof. Dr. Kanbul’s presentation, titled “Digital Well-being in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Conceptual Framework, Risks, and Strategies”, received significant interest from teachers and academics.
The congress, held at the Assembly of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus under the theme of “Holistic Development and Sustainability”, brought together academics, educators, and researchers to discuss positive approaches in education, social-emotional learning, and the concept of sustainable education. Prof. Dr. Sezer Kanbul, Director of DEBİM (Digital Education and Technology Center), attended the congress representing Near East University, accompanied by Prof. Dr. Zehra Altınay, Deputy Director of DEBİM, and Prof. Dr. Fahriye Altınay, Chief Coordinator of Educational Technologies. Prof. Dr. Zehra Altınay and Prof. Dr. Fahriye Altınay also served in the scientific committee of the congress, contributing academically.
“The aim is not to abandon technology; it is to establish a conscious, balanced, and healthy relationship with technology.”
In a session attended by approximately 120 teachers, Prof. Dr. Sezer Kanbul made a presentation on the concept of digital well-being through the new dynamics of the artificial intelligence age. In his presentation, he drew attention to technology addiction, the effects of AI-powered content flows on individuals, media literacy, digital ethics, and the new digital risks faced by students. Prof. Dr. Kanbul emphasized the importance of teachers supporting healthy technology use habits in students and increasing their own digital well-being awareness, stating that the teacher’s role has become more critical than ever in the age of artificial intelligence.
The seminar also addressed current issues such as the effects of social media algorithms on attention management, screen addiction, FOMO (fear of missing out), deepfake content, and the risks of AI-assisted academic laziness. It was also highlighted that AI offers opportunities such as personalized learning, digital accessibility, reducing teacher workload, and providing support for individuals with special needs. In the session, which included digital detox practices for teachers, screen time management, notification hygiene, and strategies for creating technology balance in the classroom, Prof. Dr. Kanbul said, “The goal is not to abandon technology; it is to establish a conscious, balanced, and healthy relationship with technology. Remaining human in the age of artificial intelligence is now one of the most important aspects of education.”
