Technological progress as a factor of social change: risks and benefits

Technological progress has significantly influenced the way people communicate, work, and interact. From the Industrial Revolution to the present day, technologies have advanced greatly, leading to the emergence of artificial intelligence, automation, and next-generation mobile networks. However, despite the obvious benefits, there are many concerns about the impact of these technologies on people's health, information security, and factors such as individual privacy, particularly its violation through deepfakes. These issues raise important ethical and social dilemmas and provoke heated debates in today's society. In this context, universities play a key role, as higher education shapes a mindset open to change, and develops critical thinking and creativity - essential skills in an era of technological progress. Universities not only prepare young people for the future but also help them become its architects by equipping them with necessary knowledge and developing practical skills. Higher education institutions provide access to cutting-edge devices and innovations and create interactive learning environments where students can experiment and apply theory in practice. At the same time, these institutions have a duty to educate young people to meet technological challenges responsibly and fairly.