New Technologies Under the Scrutiny of UMK Researchers
How are new technologies changing our lives and our relationships with others? How can we identify disinformation and effectively protect ourselves against it? How can we prepare residents and institutions for the threats associated with technological development? And finally – how can we use new tools in a way that strengthens, rather than weakens, the resilience of our society? Experts from the University Interdisciplinary Centre for Studies on Technology in Society (UICST), operating at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, will address these and many other questions. Marshal Piotr Całbecki and UMK Vice-Rector Dr hab. Radosław Sojak today (4 September) signed a letter of intent concerning cooperation to support the development of the centre.
– We have a five-year agreement ahead of us, whose aim will be to conduct research and seek answers to the question of how we, as residents of the region, can better cope with modern technologies. There are many challenges, but for me artificial intelligence and social communication in the context of hate and lies that spread in unprecedented ways thanks to new technologies are particularly important, Marshal Piotr Całbecki said in his address. – Social media are not subject to the same rules as traditional journalism, where professional ethics and responsibility for one’s words still apply. This raises the question of how to protect people and entire communities from hate, manipulation and the destructive spread of false information without restricting freedom of expression. We live in times when emotions often prevail over truth. Hate, aggression and lies attract attention, while strong emotions displace logical thinking. That is why we so urgently need researchers who can analyse this problem in depth and help us find an answer to what we can do about it.
– The centre was established out of the conviction that we need to seriously consider the consequences of the technologies we introduce into social life. This is not only about hate and fake news, but also about the erosion of trust, the future of traditional media, and the psychological and cognitive effects of new technologies. We also need to adapt education to the needs of young people and analyse the impact of technology on the economy. All of this is so that we are not blind and helpless in the face of these changes, but can anticipate their consequences and act wisely, said UMK Vice-Rector Dr hab. Radosław Sojak.
The centre, headed by Rev. Prof. Piotr Roszak, was established at the initiative of three UMK faculties: the Faculty of Theology, the Faculty of Law and Administration, and the Faculty of Philosophy and Social Sciences. Its work focuses on issues broadly related to the development of new technologies and their impact on our daily lives, culture and mental well-being. In addition to research, educational programmes are planned for residents of the region on the safe use of modern tools, including artificial intelligence. Experts will also assist local governments in implementing modern technological solutions while ensuring safety and the highest ethical standards.
– The centre’s activities will not be limited to research. We also want to implement the recommendations developed in various areas – education, communication and interpersonal relations. Technology increasingly influences our decisions, so we want to teach people to use its potential consciously and responsibly, so that it serves humanity and contributes to genuine progress. Because progress is not merely the ability to do more and faster, but above all the use of technology in a way that supports people and strengthens the meaning of our lives, explained UICST Director Rev. Prof. Piotr Roszak.
Beata Krzemińska
Spokesperson of the Marshal’s Office
4 September 2026.
