The aim of the article is to bring together the various areas of debate in relation to digital competences being instrumental in helping modern people positively adapt to rapid changes in all areas of individual and social life. Using the findings from the previously carried out empirical research on the level of mastery of digital competences by Polish teachers and students, as well as the literature on the subject, the author analyses this area of education in relation to current educational needs. The author points to problems, but also challenges resulting from the dynamic development of information technologies and the possibility of their use in the education process. The author also addresses the risks related to navigating through the cyberspace, searching, sectioning and gathering of information.