Golka, Marian2013-03-202013-03-202005Ruch Prawniczy, Ekonomiczny i Socjologiczny 67, 2005, z. 4, s. 253-2650035-9629http://hdl.handle.net/10593/5615Although each society, in order to function efficiently, must base its activities on certain information, modern societies are uniform in that respect insofar that all information related to the production, turnover or transfer of messages is based on digital information transmitted using computer technologies and internet facilities. In this way, a global information society is born. This new society has many new features that constitute a complex syndrome presented in the paper. The practical functioning of the information society is based on the use of electronic mail, availability of websites offering different types of information, electronic data bases, electronic purchases, possibilities of distant employment and provision of services, educational opportunities and many others. On the other hand, however, the internet may facilitate a number of criminal behaviours, pornography and terrorism, and, also, begging. Digital media are still at the developing stage and their impact on humanity in the future cannot be easily foreseen. There is only hope that the positive mechanisms are strengthened and the negative eliminated. It is important to ensure that the information society does not turn into an inhumane creation.plArtykuł