Basic Dynamics of Living Together in a Globalizing World

Abstract

In the process of globalization, voluntary or compulsory migrations have become important reasons that make people to live together. Marriages, trade relations, educational movements and tourism have created mobility between countries and communities. Dual citizenship and residence rights, multiple identities and multi-belongings have turned the world into a global society. The rapid development of communication technologies has carried and spread coexistence to all areas of life. The coexistence of people in different geographies has become instantaneous thanks to digital channels. Digital channels enable the sharing of life in every place, with every person, on various topics. Globalization has made coexistence and living together inevitable. In this context, local elements, structures and cultures are torn between getting the benefits of coexistence in the globalization process and protecting themselves from the disadvantages of globalization. The process is rapidly progressing against local structures and elements. Global values have suppressed the local and traditional values in the process of rapid urbanization. New generations are individualistic, self-interested, consumption and entertainment oriented. They live independently and free, but their minds and wills are dominated by the global system. Globalization system is the determinant of the consumption-oriented life, including daily life practices, food, clothing and entertainment culture. Future-plans, family, education and all forms of social relations have been under the domination of global culture. Emotions, social opinions and perceptions are shaped by global media tools. Tools themselves do not cause harm or benefit, the content loaded on these tools cause benefit or harm. Programs and contents are not smart, they are developed and implemented by human-beings that are smart. While the global mind is trying to shape the world in all aspects, it educates and manipulates people and destroys local cultural elements and structures. In this article, the historical process of living together, its social effects, the imperatives it poses and the responsibilities it entails are thoroughly examined and discussed.