Events

I’m Naz Fulya Çibik, a researcher specialising in environmental education at Mugla Sitki Kocman University, in Türkiye. I am delighted to contribute to this project by taking part in Digital Detox Workshop and introducing the Campus Farm.

We started the Campus Farm- the ecological agriculture application area- just before the Covid19 pandemic spread. The aim was to inspire university students and faculty members to be resilient to climate change and its consequences through caring for the environment, working with the soil, and learning about ecological agriculture. At the Campus Farm, we use local seeds that are distinguished from the non-local ones thanks to their endurance. Working with local seeds is vital for contributing sustainable food production. These seeds are adapted to their environment, the climate, water, and soil, and they can be reused many times. he Muğla district, with its red, mineral-rich soil, is optimal for using these local seeds. The Campus Farm is a place where people in our university can get away from the stress of everyday life, especially the ones caused by overexposure to technology by being occupied with the soil and plants. As a result, we believe it (the Campus Farm) is a place where digital detox is possible.

In today’s session I introduced the Campus Farm, its main aims, and how it relates to digital detox. The participants were surprised when I emphasized how special the local seeds were. They had no idea why they were unique and unusual. They were also unaware of the Campus Farm, therefore, with this presentation, in line with the aims of this workshop, the participants were provided with an area to perform digital detox. I also discussed the mental and physical health benefits of digital detox by linking the topic to the term ‘Shinrin Yoku’ (forest bathing). Shinrin Yoku was first introduced by the Japanese Ministry of Forestry in 1982 as a remedy for individual burnout primarily caused by exposure to technology, and to motivate people to maintain the country’s forests. I discussed what happens to a human body after interacting with nature in the first 10-15 minutes, 1 hour, and 3 days. I recommended scientific literature for further reading. After the talk, we walked to the red pine forest near the conference building after the presentation and did a ‘mini’ Shinrin Yoku for 5 minutes.

Everyone wandered around silently for 5 minutes, some touching the ground, soil, and trees. Some of them closed their eyes and concentrated on (I assume) natural sounds. I knew it wasn’t an ideal Shinrin Yoku location with all the people together, but the aim was to introduce them to an experience they could have whenever and wherever they want. As a thank you gift at the end of the program, I gave them local seeds harvested from the Campus Farm. I believe that this session contributed to their motivation to spend time in nature, to plant seeds, and to take a little break from screens on mobile devices or laptops. I was delighted to share my experience with others and help them experience experiencing nature. Many thanks to Eyüp and llker for giving me this opportunity. I’m looking forward to the next ones.

Naz Fulya Çibik
Researcher

Today, we held a digital detox workshop, and for my well-being, it was a much-needed escape from the screens that had been ruling my life. Lately, it seemed like I couldn’t go an hour without checking my phone or replying to emails. The constant barrage of notifications and the never-ending stream of information had taken a toll on my mental health. So, when the opportunity to participate in a digital detox workshop came along, I eagerly signed up.

I could feel a sense of anticipation and excitement in the air. A diverse group of people had gathered, all seeking respite from the digital overload that had become an integral part of our lives. Our guide for the day, Naz Fulya Çibik, encouraged us to switch off our devices and put them away. It felt strange at first, like I was disconnecting from a lifeline, but soon, a sense of liberation washed over me.

Naz Fulya Çibik led us into a lush forested area just a short walk from the workshop venue. The moment I stepped into the forest, I could feel the change in the atmosphere. The air was fresher, and the sounds of leaves rustling and birds chirping were like a soothing symphony. It was amazing how quickly nature embraced us, offering a refuge from the constant digital chatter.

During the workshop, we engaged in various activities that allowed us to reconnect with the natural world and disconnect from our screens. As we immersed ourselves in these activities, I realized just how rarely I took the time to unplug and truly connect with the world around me. The tranquility of the forest, the rustling leaves, and the melodic bird songs transported me to a different world. For those few moments, I forgot about my emails, social media, and the constant pressure to be connected. Instead, I focused on the beauty of the natural world and the peace it offered.

As the workshop came to an end, I felt rejuvenated and more grounded than I had in a long time. It was a reminder that taking a break from the digital world, even for a short while, could work wonders for our well-being. I left with a renewed sense of balance and a commitment to incorporating more digital detox moments into my daily life. After all, the forest had taught me that sometimes, the best way to find inner peace is to disconnect from the screens and listen to the soothing sounds of nature.

Eyüp Şen

DigiWELL Project Coordinator in MSKU

Hello everyone! We are excited to share with you that on May 29 and May 30, Found.ation ation organized the Adult Work Sessions within the framework of DigiWell project. It was all about empowering adults on digital resilience by making digital wellbeing and security accessible to all. A huge thank you to all the participants who made these sessions a resounding success. Together, we are unlocking a world of opportunities and empowering minds to thrive in the digital era!

Hello everyone, on May 11 and 12, SUA organized in the Faculty of Economics and Management in Nitra, an Adult Workshops with the title “Building Digital Resilience By Making Digital Wellbeing and Security Accessible to All – DIGIWELL” In these work sessions we informed adults about digital resilience. We also did a questionnaire to understand the level of digitalization of the participants. In the end, there was a debate on the topic, with the possibility to express opinions about digital resilience, security, and digital well-being.

The two work sessions have enabled very fruitful discussions among adults and adult trainers. Participants have been engaged in the project development and they have pretty much enjoyed learning from each other and about the project idea. We have also learned a lot from them about their experiences related to digital resilience, which will for sure be a great input for the project.