SOMEBODY STOP ME (S.O.S)

            The Reflection of “SOMEBODY STOP ME (S.O.S)”

        There was a project that is called “Somebody stop me (S.O.S)”. It was about internet addiction. The subject is really important by the reason of extreme usage of youngsters. Writing something about this project with words can look like easy but actually, it is more than words and sentences. The three main theme of the project are that people do not communicate with each other in real life, some people use smart phones more than enough, does social media make us social or not ?    

         The first they, most of us did not know each other and were inclined to communicate with own nations. But there were so good ice breaker games that we could accommodate ourselves. In addition, there was a first game which was really communicative, interesting and creative. “At the game, you should write three different illustrator questions in three papers. Then, someone picks one of the questions and answers. After someone answers, it will be your turn and do the same thing. Finally, you should find another person to ask and continue the game.” By the help of this game, we had a chance to get knowledge about the people in real life. On the other hand, we could have found them in facebook, instagram accounts and could have tried to get some knowledge by using their name at the first day, BUT! , we did not. Because, there was a real communication and it is better than virtual one.

         The other days, we had a chance to get more information about internet addiction thanks to the workshops. Moreover, with the help of the activities, we searched for information about what internet addiction is (impulse control disorder), statistics (65% of youngsters are addicted), observation of the people sitting in a café (55% of people care about smart phones instead of speaking with each other) and whether we are addicted or not (not anymore). The activities were such beautiful that we understood the communication and getting knowledge do not depend only on social media and internet.

         On the other hand, at the one of the games, we were grouped as two. One of the groups wrote the useful ways and the other wrote about extreme usage. Finally, there was a conclusion that internet is a great chance to get knowledge and fun and social media is also great chance to find your friend and fun. But these are not only the way to be social and to communicate. In social media, you cannot trust someone, do not be shy, the person is in front of you, just say “hi” and get in contact, social media is not place that hides your shyness. Real communication is really better than social ones.

          As a different perspective to the project, in free time and at the observation time, they had a trouble with English language speaking of Turkish people. 90% of Turkish people cannot speak except the some words. In addition, I will be an English Language Teacher and I also cannot speak very well. To develop speaking skill, we should be exposed to English language with movies, books and if it is possible with foreigners. To express how body language is important; there was a game in our activity group that is about body language. 76% of communication is non-verbal. So, we made a sentence in our native language and by using mimics & gestures, we said in our native language. But, everyone in the group understood each other. There is an advice for people that they should try to speak without an anxiety. Just try, make a mistake, take a risk and communicate. You will learn and achieve.

          As a cultural perspective, there were people from 7 different cultures. So, cultural interaction was the important part of communication. Being respectful to other cultures and learning something new is really important for me. In addition, while learning language process, you should also learn the cultural symbols to understand the language properly. “Don’t eat pizza and pasta with ketchup, looking cooler doesn’t mean that you are closed to communicate, don’t judge the country by looking some people, look at the big picture…”

          Finally, I have friends, best ones in my life. I understood that intention, sincerity and real communication are really important, not the time. If there is a chance to be together again, I am sure that each one of us will do our best.

          And, BIG ROUND OF APPLAUSE FOR ÇAĞLAR(the adorable facilitator of the project) to arrange everything very well. In addition, THANK YOU TO ALL TEACHERS to organise the project.