The “3rd National Symposium on Sexuality and Sexual Health”, held at Near East University, explored the impact of artificial intelligence ranging from its role in healthcare services to its influence on human relationships. Bringing together academics and experts from Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), the symposium highlighted key issues such as access to accurate information in the digital realm, privacy, gender equality, and new service models.
Organized through a collaboration between the Near East University Office of Students’ Dean and the Sexual Health Services Unit, the “3rd National Symposium on Sexuality and Sexual Health” focused on the theme: “Artificial Intelligence and Digital Sexuality in Sexual Health Services”. The event, which united representatives from various universities, institutions, organizations, and associations across Turkey and the TRNC, examined the opportunities offered by digital technologies in the field of sexual health, as well as the responsibilities they entail, through an interdisciplinary lens. The scientific program, consisting of three sessions, covered topics including AI-supported clinical and community-based services, gender, inclusive sexual health, and innovative practices.
The symposium began with a moment of silence and the national anthem, followed by opening remarks from Near East University Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Umut Aksoy and the symposium chairs, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dilek Sarpkaya Güder and Assist. Prof. Dr. Kemal Elyeli. The well-attended event provided a platform for experts to share their knowledge and experience, discuss inclusive and secure service approaches, and foster scientific collaboration between institutions.
From Mobile Health Applications to Safety in Digital Relationships…
The first session of the symposium was held under the title “AI-Supported Clinical and Community-Based Sexual Health Services”. Chaired by Assoc. Prof. Dr. İsmet Gün and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dilek Sarpkaya Güder, the session featured presentations by Assist. Prof. Dr. Kemal Elyeli (Near East University) on artificial intelligence in mobile health and new approaches to sexual health services; Prof. Dr. Müfit Cemal Yenen (University of Kyrenia) on clinical applications; and Assist. Prof. Dr. Burak Akdöner (Near East University Hospital) on psychosocial approaches. Additionally, Dr. Batuhan Dericioğlu (International Final University) delivered a presentation on AI-supported rehabilitation for pelvic floor health.
The second session, titled “Artificial Intelligence, Gender, and Inclusive Sexual Health”, was chaired by Prof. Dr. Hatice Bebiş (Eastern Mediterranean University) and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayça Atay (Near East University). In this session, Assist. Prof. Dr. Özlem Akalpler examined artificial intelligence and sexual health from the perspective of gender equality, while Assist. Prof. Dr. Zeynep Oğul explored digital literacy and artificial intelligence within the context of sexual health. İbrahim Ray (Bahçeşehir Cyprus University) focused on the sexual health of LGBTI+ individuals and the inequalities present in the age of artificial intelligence.
The third session, titled “Innovative Approaches to Sexual Health through Artificial Intelligence” and chaired by Prof. Dr. Meryem Karaaziz and CISEF TRNC Representative Assist. Prof. Dr.Tijen Ataçağ, explored the impact of digital technologies on service models and interpersonal relationships. Dr. Emine Temizkan Sekizler from Eastern Mediterranean University discussed digital technologies and new service models in sexual health; Nilsu Atıcı from Altınbaş University (Cyprus) addressed the concepts of consent and safe spaces within the realm of digital sexuality; and Assist. Prof. Dr. Güley Bilgi Abatay, a psychotherapist from the TRNC Ministry of Health, examined how artificial intelligence is transforming sexual lives and relationships. Additionally, Dr. Sema Üstgörül from Manisa Celal Bayar University, who also serves as the head of HEDER, shared insights on artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and emerging sexual experiences.
Accurate Information, Privacy, and Personal Boundaries in the Digital World…
Prof. Dr. Umut Aksoy, Vice Rector of Near East University, praised the symposium’s scientific program for its rich content and focus on contemporary issues. He said, “Addressing the clinical and community-based applications of artificial intelligence in the context of gender equality, digital literacy, privacy, and human relationships provides a valuable foundation for examining the subject from various disciplinary perspectives.”
Highlighting the significance of the symposium, particularly for students, Prof. Dr. Aksoy emphasized the necessity of questioning information encountered in digital environments and evaluating the reliability of its sources. “It is of great importance to critically examine the information you encounter online, assess its source, and remain mindful of both your own personal boundaries and those of others.” said Prof. Dr. Aksoy, and invited the students to pose their questions in a scientific setting and to participate actively in the discussions.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dilek Sarpkaya Güder, Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Women’s Health Nursing at the Near East University Faculty of Nursing and Head of the Sexual Health Services Unit, noted that the role of the digital world in sexual health education is steadily growing. Saying “Sexual health and sex education are no longer confined to classrooms and textbooks, but have become fundamental topics within the digital realm as well.” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Güder warned, “If we fail to place science, ethics, and accurate information at the core of these technologies, the void left by taboos surrounding sexuality will be filled by misinformation and misleading guidance.”
Symposium Chair Assist. Prof. Dr. Kemal Elyeli explained that this year’s symposium, the third of its kind, aims to bridge field experience with scientific knowledge. While previous editions focused on different stages of life, this year’s event centers on artificial intelligence and digital sexuality. Pointing out that individuals seeking information on sexual health are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence tools, Assist. Prof. Dr. Elyeli emphasized that data reliability, privacy, and the protection of personal information must be prioritized throughout this process. He underscored the importance of evaluating the opportunities offered by technology in alignment with scientific and ethical principles.
Volunteer Initiatives Reaching from Campus to the Community…
Providing further insight into the activities of the Sexual Health Services Unit, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dilek Sarpkaya Güder stated that, since 2023, the unit has been conducting volunteer-based work aimed at expanding access to accurate and reliable information in the fields of sexual and reproductive health. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Güder stated that, in addition to organizing awareness-raising events across the campus, they provide free education and counseling services to students. He added that through initiatives aimed at immigrant communities and disadvantaged groups, they also seek to reach various segments of society and foster greater awareness.
Prof. Dr. Umut Aksoy expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Sexual Health Services Unit, operating under the Near East University Office of Students’ Dean, in engaging with both the student body and the broader community. He noted that the unit’s receipt of the “Social Sustainability and Equality Award” as part of the Sustainability Awards underscores the significance of their work. Congratulating the members of the unit, Prof. Dr. Aksoy remarked, “This award is a recognition of the dedication of a team that places equality and social benefit at the very heart of its endeavors.”
