One of the fast disappearing actions is conversation. Today’s conversations are mostly digital and it is a big mystery what tomorrow will be like. There are similar experiences in terms of getting news and information. Channels have multiplied, speed has become a goal in itself. Whether this abundance desensitizes people to information and news is a topic for another discussion. The role played by the means of communication is more about emphasizing speed and quantity than about deepening understanding and increasing the quality of knowledge. Issues and heated debates are short-lived, lacking the common sense of experience and wisdom.
Perhaps more attention should be paid to the main sources of knowledge -universities and research institutions. We know that scientific studies are mostly published in peer-reviewed periodicals within the framework of certain criteria. These publications constitute a qualified network and index (TR index, WOS, SCOPUS, A&HCI, etc.), which is not expected to be followed outside of academics, and which brings information to the relevant expert audience. Until recently, these information networks could be said to be closed circuit systems for society. Today, open access, which does not require a subscription, is encouraged in scientific publishing. The aim is to deliver high value-added information in the shortest way possible. To what extent does this information reach the society? Can its social repercussions be felt? Is it possible to extend the existing cycle to the society without disrupting its effectiveness?
As we continue our analysis, we come across new generation citation and measurement systems that encourage the use of communication tools and social media. Altmetric or alternative measurement systems, which can be understood as a sort of search engines, score scientific articles by measuring the impact of their views, downloads, and dissemination in all social media, news, and other digital settings where their content is discussed/shared (with a DOI-Digital Object Identifier). The data obtained gives an idea of how far the scientific work in question has been disseminated to the general public, and appears as an added value.
At this point, we are looking for answers to the question of what we can transmit to society from this produced value, and how we can carry it. Conveying digested thoughts with resarcher’s own style of language where cause-and-effect relationships are established, and a synthesis is reached is comparably more effective than summarizing an encyclopedia entry or a scientific-technical text. We endeavor to introduce and convey this content to the reader in the thought plan by using the digital tools and preferences of the time, with a certain aesthetic understanding, including the researcher in the process, and by making the reader feel it. The synergies arising from this exchange are also noteworthy.
Hernefes is a platform that reflects the knowledge, approaches and questions of individuals of all ages, with different educational backgrounds and experiences from today’s perspective. Knowledge and experience at all levels can offer new opportunities for discovery and contemplation as they become more and more involved in the same cycle as other elements of life. We invite academics, researchers and graduate students to speak and write in such “conversation” platforms in order to provide the public with information that will improve the quality of perception and deepen the understanding.
