First lady Emine Erdoğan has highlighted the importance of human judgment, reflection and meaningful relationships in an increasingly digital world, saying access to information does not necessarily lead to deeper understanding.
Speaking at the 2027 season opening of the Beautiful Works Factory (GIF) in Istanbul on Monday, under the theme “Leave a Mark,” Erdoğan said young people face an unprecedented flow of information, images and sounds in the digital age.
“Humanity has never before been exposed to such a massive flow of information, images and sounds at the same time. But greater access has not brought an equal increase in understanding,” she said.
She also addressed the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI), noting that AI can compile information, produce texts and suggest ideas within seconds.
“Reaching an answer is not the same as reaching meaning. Meaning is not a ready-made result placed before us; it emerges from a depth that people build through experience, judgment, effort and reflection,” Erdoğan said.
Erdoğan warned that algorithms increasingly influence what people see and hear online, making it important to consider not only what is visible but also what remains unseen.
She also said the digital world has changed the meaning of leaving a mark, with online searches, shared content, images and preferences creating extensive digital footprints.
“Being recorded does not mean leaving a mark,” she said, stressing that creating a lasting impact requires attention, willpower, effort and responsibility.
Erdoğan said GIF provides young women with an environment where they can discover their talents, experiment, create, build friendships and find their own voices.
“Turkish Youth and Education Service Foundation (TÜRGEV) has been accompanying young people on this journey for 30 years. So far, more than 281,000 young women have passed through these doors,” she said.
She also recalled Şule Yüksel Şenler, saying she had played an important role in shaping her own identity and many of her life decisions.
“Looking at you, I remember my own youth,” Erdoğan said, adding that although GIF centers did not exist at the time, there were people who gathered in small circles, encouraged one another to do good and multiplied beauty.
Three new GIF centers were officially opened during the event through live connections, GIF Şule Yüksel Şenler in Istanbul’s Ümraniye district, GIF Hümeyra Ökten in Ankara and GIF Hatay Kapsül at Hatay Mustafa Kemal University.
The new centers increased the number of GIF centers across five cities to eight.
Erdoğan called on young people to understand the values and experiences passed down to them, address the challenges of their time and confidently express their own voices.
“I hope each of you correctly reads the valuable marks left for you, fully understands the issues of your time, confidently expresses your own voice and leaves beautiful, genuine and beneficial marks on the future,” she said.
