Ответить на вопросы. 1.Why is IT progress different from other progresses?
2. What are the peculiarities of information society?
3. What is the role of information in this society?
4.How can scientific innovations influence our everyday life?
5. What are the key problems that humanity faces today?
6. How can these problems be solved?


текст вот :
The basis of scientific and technical progress of today is new informational technology which
is very different from all the previous technologies. Thanks to up-to-date software and robots
new informational technologies can make man
y processes much faster and transmit information more quickly. It is important today because
the quantity of information grows rapidly.
New informational society has its peculiarities. Firstly, more and more employees work in the
sphere of service and information. Secondly, more and more huge databases appear to collect
and store the information. And finally, information and IT become goods and start playing
important part in the country's economy.
These processes affect social structures and values.
It becomes important to learn to get new knowledge quickly and sometimes to change your
qualification. IT can first lead to unemployment, but later create even more workplaces
especially for highly qualified professionals. While the hardest work can be performed by
robots and routine calculations by computers, in the future people with the most creative
mind and numerous fresh ideas will get better career chances.
On one hand technology development gives more access to professional and cultural
information and leads to new forms of individual enterprises. But on the other hand there is a
danger of total control of private life unless special laws are enforced by the government.
Another danger is «intellectual terrorism» when computer viruses block important programs.
There are other directions of technical and scientific progress of today.
One of them is the development of new ecologically clean sources of energy using sun,
gravitation, winds or rain. New kind of transports and new agricultural methods that do not
harm our nature are being developed today.
Breakthroughs in science have led to creation of artificial viruses for new medicines and
products, body organs for transplantation and productive soils for growing vegetables and
crops. Many new materials and technologies are being used in our everyday life.
All these innovations may have influence on our life, social relations and globally on our
Earth.
The influence can be very different: from psychological and health problems of children who
spend too much time online to an opportunity to prevent genetic diseases for future
generations.
But the most difficult problems the humanity faces are global problems.
The first and foremost is ecological problem: pollution of air, water and soil, exhaustion of
natural resources. Renewable natural resources such as oxygen, forests, flora and fauna do
not have enough time to regenerate. This leads to different changes in climate and nature
such as depletion of ozone layer and other things that has not been properly studied by
scientists yet.

Other crucial problems include wars, epidemics, and demographic problems.
The only way to solve them is to work globally and in cooperation with other countries. And
here the humanity should find a way to use new technologies for the common good. The
solution of these problems cannot be postponed because otherwise people will have fewer
chances to survive on this planet.

1. Why is IT progress different from other progresses?
   IT progress stands out because it is based on entirely new technologies that rely heavily on software, robotics, and advanced methods of information processing. Unlike traditional technological advancements, IT makes processes faster and more efficient by handling vast amounts of information rapidly. This is particularly crucial today, given the exponential growth of data. While earlier progress focused on physical tools or machines, IT emphasizes the speed and accessibility of information, fundamentally transforming communication, work, and decision-making.

2. What are the peculiarities of the information society?
   The information society has several unique characteristics:

   • A significant portion of the workforce is employed in service and information-based roles rather than traditional industries.
   • Huge databases are created and maintained to collect, store, and manage vast amounts of data.
   • Information itself becomes a commodity, playing a key role in the economy.
     These changes influence social structures, values, and even individual behavior, emphasizing the need for adaptability, continuous learning, and technological literacy.

3. What is the role of information in this society?
   In an information society, information is a central resource, much like raw materials were in the industrial era. It drives economic growth, supports decision-making, and enables innovation. Information is both a product and a tool: it is bought, sold, and used to develop new technologies and services. Moreover, the ability to process and use information effectively has become a critical skill for individuals and businesses, shaping career opportunities and societal progress.

4. How can scientific innovations influence our everyday life?
   Scientific innovations can have profound impacts on daily life. For instance:

   • Development of clean energy sources reduces environmental harm while providing sustainable solutions.
   • Advances in medicine, such as artificial organs and genetic engineering, improve health outcomes and life expectancy.
   • New technologies, like smart devices and automation, simplify tasks and enhance productivity.
     However, innovations also bring challenges, such as the need to adapt to rapid changes or address potential ethical and social implications, like privacy concerns and digital addiction.

5. What are the key problems that humanity faces today?
   The most pressing issues include:

   • Ecological problems: Pollution, deforestation, and depletion of natural resources threaten ecosystems and human survival.
   • Social inequality: Unequal access to resources and technology exacerbates economic and social divides.
   • Technological risks: Cybersecurity threats, such as intellectual terrorism and data breaches, pose significant dangers.
   • Health and psychological concerns: The overuse of technology can lead to mental health issues and physical problems, particularly in younger generations.

6. How can these problems be solved?
   Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach:

   • Ecological solutions: Transitioning to renewable energy, reducing waste, and implementing sustainable practices can mitigate environmental harm.
   • Policy and regulation: Governments need to enforce laws to protect privacy, ensure ethical use of technology, and reduce inequality.
   • Education and awareness: Promoting technological literacy and awareness of environmental issues can empower individuals to make informed decisions.
   • Global cooperation: Many problems, such as climate change, require coordinated efforts across nations to implement effective solutions.
   • Innovation and research: Continued investment in science and technology can provide breakthroughs to tackle both existing and emerging challenges.

In conclusion, while humanity faces significant challenges, the same scientific and technological advancements that cause some of these issues also offer the tools to address them. The key lies in responsible innovation and global collaboration.