What I Read and Follow

I've always been interested in what's happening around the world, whether it's politics, economics, culture, or social issues. Having lived in different countries and studied Economics, International Development, and Digital Cultures, I think I've naturally become curious about how different societies work.

I wouldn't say I follow politics every minute of the day, but I do like staying informed and hearing different perspectives.

What I Read and Follow

In Türkiye, I've recently been enjoying Oksijen, particularly its coverage of current affairs, culture, and society. I also follow T24 and occasionally Orta Sayfa, depending on the topics being discussed.

For international news, I regularly turn to BBC, CNN, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Euronews. Sometimes I also watch Al Jazeera, especially when I want to understand what's happening in a particular part of the world.

I don't necessarily follow every source equally. It depends on the story, the country, and what I'm interested in at the time.

And of course, not everything I follow is serious. I occasionally check Onedio for entertainment and lighter content.

I think it's useful to read different publications rather than relying on just one. That doesn't mean every source is equally reliable, but comparing perspectives can help me develop a more informed opinion.

Where I Stand on Values

I've never been particularly interested in defining myself entirely through political labels.

I've taken political personality tests out of curiosity, including the Political Compass, and my results have generally leaned towards social democracy. Other quizzes have given me descriptions such as Private School Kid, Traditional Democracy, and The Hippie, which I found quite amusing.

I wouldn't take any of these results too seriously, but they can be interesting ways to reflect on what matters to you.

If I had to describe my outlook, I'd say I value democracy, secularism, individual freedom, equality, and respect for others.

For me, secularism is particularly important because I believe people should be free to have their own religious beliefs, or none at all, without those beliefs being imposed on others.

I also believe that personal freedom comes with responsibility. One principle I strongly agree with is that our freedom should not come at the expense of someone else's freedom or rights.

I don't think everyone needs to share the same lifestyle, beliefs, or opinions. In fact, I think a healthy society should make room for different ways of living, provided people respect one another's rights.

I generally see myself as someone with modern, secular, and socially progressive values. At the same time, I think it's important to remain open to discussion and recognize that not every issue has a simple answer.

Why Different Perspectives Matter to Me

Growing up in different countries has probably influenced how I see the world.

I've had the opportunity to meet people from different cultural, religious, and social backgrounds. Those experiences have made me appreciate how differently people can approach the same questions.

My education has also played a role. Studying Economics and International Development made me more interested in inequality, institutions, and how societies develop. Later, studying Digital Cultures encouraged me to think more about media, technology, and how information shapes public opinion.

I don't think being open-minded means agreeing with everyone. For me, it means being willing to listen, question my own assumptions, and change my mind when there's a good reason to.

A Few Final Thoughts

I enjoy following current affairs, but I also think it's important to have interests beyond the news.

Sometimes I want to read about economic development or international relations. Other times, I'd rather watch a sitcom, listen to music, or spend time with friends.

I don't think being interested in serious issues means everything in life has to be serious.

At the end of the day, I try to approach the world with curiosity, respect, and a willingness to learn.

My opinions will probably continue to evolve, but I hope the values behind them remain fairly consistent: freedom, democracy, fairness, and treating people with dignity.