The article analyses the downfall of post-industrial cities, using Bytom as an example – one of the cities in Poland most affected by the energy and economic transition. The starting point is the process of decarbonisation and the closure of coal mines, which once formed the foundation of local identity and prosperity. It describes the dystopian reality of Bytom: mass depopulation, urban degradation, mining damage, social polarisation, and ghettoisation. Despite the grim diagnosis, it also points to emerging signs of recovery – grassroots initiatives, revitalisation programmes, and external support. The text reflects on the possibility of escaping the dystopian conditions not through utopian visions but through corrective measures.

The article looks at a pilot project to introduce autonomous buses in the GZM Metropolis. Its aim was not only to test autonomous vehicles but also to examine public attitudes towards this form of transport. The research conducted by a team of scientists from the University of Silesia included an analysis of trust, safety, comfort, and emotions experienced by passengers travelling on an autonomous bus compared to traditional means of transport. The results indicate a generally positive attitude among test participants, especially among those interested in new technologies, although they also reveal concerns about the reliability of the system and the issue of legal liability.

The article reflects on the future of cultural heritage in the context of preserved megalithic structures – one of the oldest manifestations of human architectural activity. Instead of following the typical futurological question of what will the future look like, the author asks: What is worth preserving? She presents selected examples of such places in Poland, analysing their current condition, forms of protection, threats and possibilities for further existence. The article emphasises the importance of both legal and landscape conditions for the survival of these structures. The text shows how megaliths can become not only a testimony to the past but also an important element of the landscape of the future, provided that they are cared for responsibly and that a modern approach to their preservation and accessibility is adopted.

Research conducted at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering of the University of Silesia focuses on the analysis of biomedical signals in the context of neuroscience. Thanks to the use of modern technologies, such as virtual reality, mobile brain and body imaging, EEG, ECG, EMG, and EDA, it is possible to study cognitive processes in natural conditions and in real time. The article highlights the interdisciplinary nature of neuroscience, which combines engineering, medicine, computer science and the humanities, and presents potential directions for its development. Modern brain research not only enables a deeper understanding of the functioning of the human mind but also paves the way for breakthrough therapies and assistive technologies.

This article addresses the interdisciplinary issue of the relationship between evolution and art, in which algorithms, specifically evolutionary algorithms, play the role of a mediator. The starting point is a reflection on the inspirations drawn from biological evolution theory, which has found application in genetic algorithms, evolutionary programming, and other computational methods. The text shows how algorithms not only optimise solutions to technical problems but can also stimulate creative processes. It attempts to answer the question about the future of art in the era of artificial intelligence and the role of emotions or empathy in the digital creative process.

The article addresses the issue of the dynamic development of artificial intelligence and new technologies and their impact on various social groups, especially children, young people, and the elderly. The presence of digital tools in education and upbringing is now commonplace. This has both advantages, such as personalised learning and immersive VR experiences, and risks, such as detachment from reality and weakened interpersonal relationships. The article emphasises the importance of wise and conscious use of technology and the role of parents and educators in shaping the digital habits of children.

In the face of intensifying climate change, the phenomenon of migration – or rather displacement – is taking on a new meaning, especially from the perspective of the Global South. Researchers analyse literature and art from African and Caribbean countries to bring to light the less-heard but extremely important voices of the communities most affected by the climate crisis. They draw attention to the difference between the Western narrative on migration and local adaptation strategies, which often express hope, determination and a desire to create a new future – also through African futurism. In their view, climate-induced displacement is not only a geographical migration but also a cultural and symbolic change that redefines humanity's relationship with the planet and other forms of life. It is a voice that, if heard, could be the key to a more just and sustainable future.

The article analyses the impact of modern technologies – such as dating apps, algorithms, and robots – on how romantic relationships are formed and experienced. The researcher shows how our ideas about the future of relationships are based on cultural myths and the pursuit of risk elimination. Referring to historical forms of ‘code consumption’ and old prototypes of love testers, she points to the continuity of the human desire for predictability and emotional certainty. Instead of the predicted post-human ideal of harmony with machines, she forecasts a growing sterilisation of emotions and relationships. It is not technology that dehumanises love – it is people themselves, consciously choosing safe, easy, and pre-programmed emotions over authentic, risky commitment.

The article shows the consequences of rapid technological development in the public administration sector, focusing on the process of its dehumanisation. The author draws attention to the increasing automation of public services, which, although increasing efficiency and accessibility, can lead to social exclusion, privacy violations, and the loss of human relationships. He presents examples of countries where surveillance technologies are widely used and humans become merely elements of the system – often redundant and prone to marginalisation. The author asks whether the development of digital administration poses a threat to fundamental democratic values and whether the law, deprived of its human element, can still effectively protect citizens in the digital age.