Digitalization and Sustainability Conflict in Society: Waste Culture and Green Consciousness

Sustainability, which is based on the protection of the resources we have within the framework of the global climate crisis, is gaining importance day by day. With the industrial revolution, we see that the daily lives of individuals have become integrated with technology. It is seen that all institutions of society, from communication to economy, from education to politics, have become connected to technology and networks. Thus, the concepts of increasing digitalization and sustainability have become synonymous with each other. In this article, the relationship between the two concepts will be analyzed in a social and environmental context, and their positive and negative aspects will be discussed. This study aims to understand and evaluate the conflict between wasteful culture and green consciousness by addressing the societal implications in the relationship between digitalization and sustainability. By examining how digital technologies have the potential to provide environmental benefits but also how they affect environmental threats such as e-waste, the study aims to reveal the societal consequences arising from this dilemma. Thus, the main question of the research will be tried to be answered whether digitalization provides environmental benefits in line with sustainability goals or deepens the e-waste crisis by triggering a culture of waste. In the research, a literature review will be conducted from qualitative research methods. As a result, inferences will be made on the future potential of sustainable digital technologies by drawing attention to the awareness of the balance between digitalization and green consciousness.