The "3rd International Communication Days Symposium," organized by the Faculty of Communication at Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University, commenced with the theme "From Alphabet to Algorithm: New Horizons in Global Communication." Bringing together academics, students, and scientists from various countries, the symposium's first session began with the screening of the faculty's introductory video. The symposium will continue for three days, from May 13-15, 2026. The first day of the event will be held at the BAİBÜ Congress Center, while the following days will take place at the BAİBÜ Faculty of Communication.

News: Hatice Cantürk

The introductory film, "BAİBÜ İLEF-İG 2026: From Dream to Success Story," was watched with great interest by the participants. Speaking at the opening, Prof. Dr. Emre Tandırlı, Dean of the BAİBÜ Faculty of Communication, drew attention to the transformation of communication from traditional to digital and offered his assessments regarding the academic vision of the symposium.

The program continued with thank-you speeches from Bolu Governor Abdülaziz Aydın and BAİBÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Faruk Yiğit, as well as vice rectors, deans, and other participants.
Academicians and scientists from 8 different countries and 37 universities participated in the symposium.

One of the notable speeches of the opening session was given by Prof. Dr. Thomas A. Bauer from the University of Vienna. In his presentation titled "The Construction of Meaning in the Age of Algorithmic Communication: Information, Power, and Reality," Bauer evaluated the effects of digitalization on communication. Bauer stated that algorithms shape not only the flow of information but also the perception of social reality, and that power relations are being redefined in the age of communication. A certificate of appreciation was presented to Bauer at the end of the program.

Prof. Dr. Gül Rengin Küçükerdoğan, Rector of the Faculty of Communication at Hasan Kalyoncu University, who participated in the symposium online, addressed the participants with her presentation titled "The Algorithmic Consumer: Data, Artificial Intelligence, and Next-Generation Brand Communication." Küçükerdoğan, in his speech, stated that the understanding of "I consume, therefore I exist" has become an important indicator in today's brand consumption, and that the emotional bond between the brand and the consumer is strengthened through perceptual transmission processes. Evaluating the transition from traditional consumer understanding to the algorithmic consumer model, Küçükerdoğan emphasized that data mining plays an effective role in shaping advertising and content strategies. Stating that the language of advertising and perception management are also changing in parallel with technological development, Küçükerdoğan shared the effects of the digital age on consumption habits with the students.

Another speaker, Prof. Dr. Suat Gezgin, a faculty member at Yeditepe University, made important assessments regarding the future of communication education. Gezgin raised the question, "Can communication faculties offer an experience that will allow them to see their students 10 years from now?" Addressing the students, Gezgin said, "You are entering the profession in an era where the profession is rapidly transforming. You are in a period where the profession is being redefined, offering the greatest opportunities in history. Never forget your public responsibility; the communication age is a tool for difficult times."

The first session of the symposium concluded with a group photo of academics, deans, and participants, followed by the presentation of certificates of participation.

The afternoon session, moderated by Prof. Dr. Himmet Karadal, continued with a large number of participants under the theme "From Alphabet to Algorithm: Artificial Intelligence in Language, Culture, Literature, and Media from Local to Universal."

Prof. Dr. Samettin Gündüz, who gave the first presentation, initiated the second session with his presentation on "The Relationship between Cybernetics and Artificial Intelligence." Sharing his work on artificial intelligence, Gündüz also presented on "The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Cultural Change Process," adding meaning and experience to students' use of AI. The session then continued with Prof. Dr. Himmet Karadal and Lara Kırmusaoğlu's presentation on "Local Media Entrepreneurship: The Bolu Example."

The second session of the symposium, which continued with presentations from many participants and questions from students, concluded with the presentation of certificates of appreciation and a group photo session.