Rediscovering Susan Sontag's "On Photography," I cannot overlook her reflections on the emotional power inherent in photographs. Photography not only archives moments but also evokes strong feelings. In her book, she delves into the role of photography in culture and society. Today, in the age of digital images and social media, Sontag's thesis remains relevant and continues to be a reference point for many debates on the subject. However, even in the current landscape where published photos represent selected aspects of life, do we still experience genuine emotions, or do we rather accept appearances as reality?

On the other hand, Nathan Jurgenson, the author of "The Social Photo," sheds new light on photography in the context of social media. The changing role of photos, becoming an instantaneous tool for building an image in real-time, raises the question: does what we publish truly reflect our lives, or does it merely create a superficial image?

Sontag, addressing the issue of image authenticity, pointed out the potential for manipulation and propagandistic use of photography. Jurgenson adds a new dimension, revealing how selective photo publishing leads to the creation of seemingly perfect yet untrue depictions of life. Does our reality, then, become increasingly submerged in falsehood?

Through the lens of Sontag's, Jurgenson's, and Polish photographer Jan Bułhak's thoughts, I aim to explore the universality of photography and the role it plays. Bułhak emphasized its significance as an artistic medium capable of capturing fleeting moments. In an era of widespread smartphone cameras and advancing artificial intelligence, the question arises: has this universality evolved, or is it fading amidst the sea of daily images?

The development of artificial intelligence outlines new scenarios for photography. Automatic adjustment of camera settings, object detection— all of this makes photography easier, more accessible, and perhaps even automated. However, with this progress, do we lose something essential to the essence of photography? Perhaps artificial intelligence will become merely a facilitating tool, or will it influence our perception of images and permanently alter it?

Discovering the significance of photography in today's world, I realize that this medium not only documents but also shapes our reality. However, in the age of ubiquitous tools, unlimited access to social media, and artificial intelligence, I wonder if we risk losing authenticity and depth, elements we once considered unique. Undoubtedly, these new realities pose significant challenges. The answers lie somewhere between the emotions evoked by photographs and the manipulation inherent in today's world of images. Certainly, photography as a medium not only captures moments but also shapes our perspective on the world, and today, this world seems to be undergoing profound changes.