The modern world is increasingly based on advanced technologies. They are dynamically entering new areas of our lives and becoming an indispensable part of it. In just a few decades, an incredible technological advancement has been achieved – exemplified by the Internet. Today, thanks to fast cellular networks and wireless connections, practically everyone with a smartphone can access the Internet, whether for work or for entertainment. More and more household devices are also connected to the Internet, enabling remote control or even the autonomous execution of certain tasks. On one hand, these technological capabilities greatly simplify everyday life, providing entertainment and useful information. On the other hand, the speed at which everything is happening is becoming an ever greater challenge that the modern world must prepare for.
The dynamics of change in the modern world
The rapid automation, robotization, and digitization of our world is an undeniable fact – and everything indicates that this is just the beginning. It is estimated that by the year 2020 the number of Internet users will reach 6 billion, and they will be using 250 billion devices. An increasing portion of these devices will belong to what is known as the Internet of Things. Artificial intelligence is evolving before our very eyes, and devices equipped with it will increasingly influence how we live our daily lives. In fact, even the creators of science fiction likely had no idea how quickly their visions would materialize. After all, autonomous cars are already on our streets, specialized tools can translate in real time, and digital assistants help manage various tasks. Moreover, there is growing discussion about the limits of this dynamic development. What once seemed like fiction – such as artificial intelligence – is taking on increasingly realistic forms, and one must seriously consider the vast potential that devices and machines may hold.
Challenges associated with modern technologies
As every aspect of our lives becomes infused with modern technologies, it becomes clear that this trend cannot be stopped. Technological progress drives many fields that benefit from automation and rapid access to vast amounts of data. Internet users and digital device users are also increasingly taking advantage of these benefits, and there is little indication that this trend will reverse. Therefore, one must accept that progress is inevitable and unstoppable – one can at best try to change its direction and reflect on the role of humans in all of this. Unfortunately, this comes with numerous challenges and even threats that were hardly heard of until recently. These challenges are, among other things, related to security issues, which in the digital world acquire an entirely new meaning.
One of the key concerns in using digital conveniences is ensuring the safety of its users. Security encompasses many dimensions, and unfortunately, threats continue to rise. Nowadays, data – whether personal or authentication-related – has become the most coveted commodity for criminals. The loss of such data will always be problematic and, in some cases, may even lead to financial losses. That is why it is crucial both to enhance the effectiveness of security measures and to improve user awareness and foster proper behavior. Another challenge related to security issues is the Internet of Things. More and more digital devices are being connected to the network, enabling remote control. For owners, this is a great convenience, but at the same time it creates the risk of hackers taking over control. While in the case of a refrigerator this might at most lead to unnecessary purchases, it is easy to imagine the serious consequences that could occur with cars or airplanes.