Technology has increasingly permeated all aspects of social order since the 19th century, affecting daily life and politics. The AKP has been at the forefront of leveraging technology in politics, equipping party members with tablets and establishing a responsive infrastructure. Reha Denemeç, a founding member, was instrumental in this initiative. The AKP also recognized the power of social media early on, investing heavily in it. The CHP, on the other hand, has struggled to utilize technology effectively. The article suggests that the CHP could harness the potential of its well-educated supporters through decentralized initiatives like hackathons to contribute to direct democracy and address various issues, rather than continuing a centralized approach.

The article discusses the controversy surrounding Spotify and the anti-vaccination statements made on Joe Rogan's podcast, 'The Joe Rogan Experience.' Neil Young requested his music be removed from Spotify due to the platform's association with Rogan's anti-vaccine misinformation. Following Young's stance, other artists and public figures considered leaving the platform, which led to a significant drop in Spotify's stock value. Spotify's CEO, Daniel Ek, admitted the company's policies on misinformation were not transparent enough and pledged to improve. The article raises questions about the limits of freedom of speech, especially when it comes to spreading misinformation that can affect public health.

The Turkish startup ecosystem has garnered attention with recent investments and acquisitions, including Peak Games' $1.8 billion sale to Zynga. However, the article argues that Turkey does not yet have a developed startup ecosystem, with a few individuals carrying the majority of the ecosystem's weight. Despite a peak investment year of $116 million in 2017, the ecosystem is still relatively small compared to other global cities. The article criticizes the superficial support for startups, questioning the actual contributions of large firms and self-proclaimed angel investors. It also highlights the need to support entrepreneurs, encourage older entrepreneurs, and improve transparency and accountability in both public and private sectors. The article suggests that without sincere efforts to support a real startup ecosystem, Turkey will remain a developing country.

Istanbul's startup ecosystem, highlighted by the $1.8 billion sale of Peak, is not prioritized by the government, which favors the construction industry. The technology sector is crucial for Turkey's future, offering high value per person, reducing imports, boosting exports, and increasing high-level employment. Despite 865 entrepreneurial tech companies in Istanbul employing over 25,000 people, the sector's growth is slowing. A report by Endeavor, 'Mapping the Istanbul Tech Ecosystem,' notes the ecosystem's past success but warns of recent challenges, including geopolitical instability and a currency crisis. The report calls for support to help new tech entrepreneurs scale, as only 13 percent of firms with 50 or more employees were founded in the past five years, indicating slowing dynamism. Access to tech talent and late-stage capital are identified as barriers for entrepreneurs.

The sale of Peak to Zynga for $1.8 billion has marked a significant milestone for Turkey's tech ecosystem, putting Istanbul on the map for future tech investments. This deal is expected to attract more investors to Turkey and inspire established families to take the startup scene more seriously. The transaction has been beneficial for all parties involved, including investors and Peak's founder, Sidar Şahin. The success of Peak highlights the potential of Turkey's tech industry, particularly in gaming, with Istanbul emerging as a key hub. The article also notes the positive impact of recent investments in the Turkish startup scene.

COVID-19 has necessitated the adoption of new standards to minimize infection risks while maintaining economic stability. Public spaces need to function safely, and security technology plays a crucial role. Securitas CTO Emre Erdal discusses the shift towards unmanned and autonomous security solutions, emphasizing the importance of real-time prevention through advanced video analytics and monitoring systems. The article highlights various security services, including contactless car parking, automatic detection of suspicious activities, and analytics-based forensic investigations, underscoring the need for technological advancements in security to ensure both safety and economic continuity.

The article discusses the widespread job losses across various industries due to the economic impact of the pandemic, with companies like Tripadvisor, Cirque du Soleil, Marriott International, Airbnb, Bird, Eventbrite, and Yelp laying off or furloughing employees. In contrast, Peloton and Zynga are experiencing growth during this period. The article raises concerns about the future employment prospects for the highly skilled workforce and questions the potential solutions to this emerging problem.

Digital platforms and virtual worlds are increasingly significant in the post-COVID-19 world, with platforms like Houseparty and games like Fortnite seeing substantial user engagement. The Entertainment Software Association highlights gaming's mental and educational benefits, while the National Research Group notes a greater appreciation for technology's societal role during the pandemic. Virtual events, such as Travis Scott's Fortnite concert, are becoming more common, raising questions about the permanence and future evolution of virtual worlds and their impact on humanity.

Turkish startups and entrepreneurs are facing unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 crisis, despite being accustomed to various crises in the past. Companies like Mutlubiev have adapted by expanding their services, while others like English Ninjas have seen growth due to increased demand. A survey by Endeavor reveals that most entrepreneurs have switched to remote work, with many concerned about customer retention and financial stability. The majority foresee a decrease in profit targets and have taken measures to reduce expenses. There is an urgent need for funding and mentorship to help these businesses navigate the crisis.

The pandemic has significantly impacted lives, prompting a reevaluation of core family values and societal structures. Increased internet searches for family-related topics indicate a shift towards prioritizing family time and redefining basics. The future use of technology will play a crucial role in shaping society, with choices between surveillance and freedom. Turkey faces decisions on how to utilize technology in a post-pandemic world, balancing between control and information dissemination.