My Experience with Digital Services
Living in the middle of constant digital change has been an eye-opening experience for me, especially as an international student coming from a country where access to the internet is limited. Back home, only people in a few big cities can rely on stable internet connections, and many households do not even have smartphones. Most of the population conducts daily tasks offline, and many services we take for granted, like online banking or government services, are simply not available. This makes me appreciate the digital opportunities I have here in Finland even more.
Since arriving in Finland, I have been learning how digital services can make life much easier. For example, I use Traficom to pay my vehicle tax, which saves time and allows me to avoid long queues at offices. I also manage child benefits for my kid through OmaKela, which provides a clear and organized way to track and access support. Recently, I used Qasa.fi to rent a beautiful apartment for my family. The entire process was completed online, without needing any in-person interaction. I could browse listings, submit documents, and sign contracts digitally, which made it simple and stress-free, something that would have been very difficult in my home country.
Using these services has taught me the value of digital literacy and access: the ability to navigate websites, understand online forms, and use secure systems is crucial in a modern working and personal life. From my perspective as a Warehouse Supervisor, digital tools are also changing the way we work. In my field, inventory systems, online orders, and shipment tracking are all digitalized, allowing me to coordinate tasks more efficiently and communicate with colleagues in real time. Digitalization has increased productivity and reduced errors compared to manual processes I have seen in my home country, and it has also made working remotely and collaborating across teams much easier.
However, digitalization also comes with challenges. Not everyone can access or use these services easily. In Finland, most people can rely on technology, but I can imagine how difficult it must be for those coming from places with poor internet access, older generations, or individuals who are not digitally literate. There is a clear digital gap, and bridging it requires both access and education. For example, older people or those unfamiliar with smartphones and online platforms might struggle to complete basic tasks, like booking appointments or making payments.
Security is another important consideration. While digital services are convenient, they require careful management of passwords and personal information. I always make sure that the websites I use, like OmaKela or Qasa.fi, are secure and protected. Learning about safe online practices, such as not sharing sensitive data over email and using two-factor authentication, has become a crucial part of my digital skills. These steps help protect both personal and financial information and give me confidence when interacting with online services.
I also explored online services for shopping and travel, such as Amazon and Booking.com. Compared to prices and options back home, I find these services reliable, efficient, and well-organized. They save time and provide information that is clear and easy to compare. I appreciate that I can read customer reviews, check product specifications, and compare prices without leaving my home. This kind of access to information would have been very limited in my home country, where many people still rely on physical stores and word-of-mouth information.
Another aspect of digitalization I explored is artificial intelligence. I used ChatGPT to ask questions related to my professional field, and it was interesting to see how AI can provide instant answers, suggest solutions, or even offer guidance on tasks I am learning. While AI answers are generally helpful, sometimes they lack context or nuance, and I have to verify the information before using it in real life. Still, it shows the potential of AI to support learning, decision-making, and problem-solving, especially for people who are still developing their digital skills.
Finally, thinking about the future, I believe digitalization will continue to reshape life and work. Artificial intelligence, automated services, and online communication tools will become even more essential. While I have just started to explore these tools, I am aware that continuous learning and adaptability are key to being a competent digital citizen. It is not only about knowing how to use a website or service, but also about understanding its limitations, security considerations, and potential impact on society.
Self-reflection: From these assignments, I have learned the importance of digital access, literacy, and security. I have also reflected on my own privileges in having stable internet and access to digital services, and how these tools can help improve efficiency in both personal and professional life. Using services like Qasa.fi or OmaKela has shown me how digitalization can simplify complex tasks, and I hope to continue exploring new tools while helping others bridge the digital gap so that more people can fully participate in a connected society. Being a digital citizen means not only taking advantage of these tools personally but also being aware of the challenges and responsibilities that come with them.
Links to blogs i commented on
Have you used digital services like OmaKela or Qasa? How was your experience? Share in the comments!