Living as a Digital Citizen

Introduction

Today, it is almost impossible to separate everyday life from the digital world. Whether we are working, studying, managing health records, or doing simple shopping, digital services have become an inseparable part of modern society. Being a digital citizen means not only having access to technology but also being able to navigate it responsibly, safely, and critically. In this blog, I will share my experiences with Finland’s digital services, explore online shopping platforms, discuss a key digital service from my field, and reflect on both the benefits and challenges that digitalization brings. I will also include a personal reflection on what I have learned through this journey.

My Use of Digital Services in Finland

As a foreign student living in Finland, digital services are a regular part of my daily life. Some of the main platforms I rely on include OmaKela, Pirha, Suomi.fi, and services provided by the Digi- and Population Data Services Agency.

Through OmaKela, I manage everything related to social benefits and financial assistance. It is the main channel for applications, checking statuses, and managing payments, which makes it an essential tool for students like me. The system is relatively easy to use, although it occasionally demands patience when trying to find specific information or complete detailed forms.

Pirha (Pirkanmaa Welfare Services) has been an important gateway for accessing health and social services regionally. Booking appointments and managing healthcare tasks through Pirha’s digital platform has become normal. Although sometimes the user interface could be a little more intuitive, it has clearly made accessing services faster.

The Suomi.fi platform stands out as a central hub for handling most official matters. Whether it is managing authorization for another person to act on your behalf, reading official documents, or contacting different governmental bodies, Suomi.fi consolidates many services under one digital roof. Logging in is secure, usually done through online banking credentials or mobile certificates.

Lastly, the Digi- and Population Data Services Agency has played a role in managing my official personal data, including changes of address and handling identity documents. Having such services available online has saved countless hours compared to traditional paperwork and office visits.

On the healthcare side, accessing my health records through OmaKanta has become second nature. Using secure online credentials, I can view prescriptions, vaccination records, and medical notes in one place. The process is secure, user-friendly, and promotes transparency between patients and healthcare providers.

Comparing Global Digital Marketplaces

To better understand global digitalization, I explored platforms like eBay, Amazon, Booking.com, and Trivago, comparing them to local Finnish shops in terms of pricing and reliability.

When it comes to prices, Amazon often offers better deals compared to physical stores in Finland, especially on electronics, books, and everyday household items. The reliability of Amazon is also quite high, especially for products fulfilled directly by Amazon rather than third-party sellers. Their customer service is generally responsive, and the return process is straightforward.

eBay presents more mixed results. Sometimes prices are lower, but the platform carries a higher risk of counterfeit goods or unreliable sellers. Buyer protection programs exist, but purchasing from individual sellers rather than established companies means extra caution is necessary.

For services related to travel, Booking.com often provides competitive rates compared to booking hotels directly. The platform’s user reviews offer a good amount of transparency, helping consumers make informed decisions. In my experience, it has been reliable when planning trips.

Trivago, while useful for comparing hotel prices across different platforms, sometimes lists rates that do not include additional taxes or service fees, leading to surprises at checkout. It is a helpful tool but requires careful attention to details before confirming any bookings.

Overall, Amazon and Booking.com came across as the most reliable platforms, while eBay and Trivago require a bit more consumer caution.

TE-palvelut

In my field, which relates to community work and integration, TE-palvelut (Employment and Economic Development Office of Finland) is one of the most significant digital services. Through their online portal, users can search for job openings, register as job seekers, arrange appointments with career counselors, participate in virtual training, and manage unemployment benefits.

My personal experience with TE-palvelut has been mostly positive. The site is well-organized, and the login process is secure. Job search features allow users to filter results based on location, industry, and contract type, which is particularly helpful. Virtual workshops and online training courses offered through the platform have been valuable for developing professional skills.

However, one challenge I have encountered is that responses through digital channels can sometimes take longer than traditional methods like phone calls. While the platform is functional, customer service responsiveness still has room for improvement. Even so, having the ability to manage job-seeking activities digitally has made the process much more convenient, especially for students balancing work and studies.

Risks of Digitalization and the Digital Gap

While the benefits of digitalization are undeniable, it is important to recognize the risks it brings. One of the most significant challenges is the digital gap—the divide between those who have access to digital services and those who do not.

For example, elderly individuals, immigrants unfamiliar with the local language, and economically disadvantaged people may struggle to access basic services when those services are only available online. In Finland, government agencies have made efforts to bridge this gap by offering support services and training programs, but the problem still persists. Without basic digital literacy, people risk being excluded from healthcare, education, social benefits, and job opportunities.

Cybersecurity threats are another pressing risk. Data breaches, identity theft, and online fraud are real concerns. Despite platforms being relatively secure, users still need to remain cautious, particularly when dealing with personal information online.

Additionally, reliance on digital services sometimes leads to feelings of isolation, particularly for those who prefer human interaction. Not every task is better handled online, and for some, the shift away from face-to-face communication can feel alienating.

My Digital Competence Evaluation

As part of this assignment, I completed the Digital Competence Test to assess my skills. The results showed that my digital competence level is advanced, with strong abilities in areas like identity management, protecting personal data, and understanding digital law.

However, the test also highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in deeper technical skills like automating processes and handling complex system configurations. This reflection was valuable because it reminded me that no matter how confident we feel with basic digital tools, there is always more to learn, especially as new technologies emerge

Self-Reflection

Working through the Digi Citizen assignment made me realize just how much I have adapted to digital life without consciously thinking about it. Managing health records, applying for benefits, shopping, studying, and communicating — all these activities are rooted in digital services.

At the same time, I gained a deeper appreciation for how easily people can be left behind if they do not have the necessary digital skills or tools. It is not enough to simply provide online services; accessibility, education, and support are crucial to making sure everyone can participate fully in society.

I also realized the importance of balancing trust in digital services with critical thinking and personal responsibility. Being a digital citizen means embracing new opportunities while staying aware of privacy issues, cybersecurity threats, and the need for ongoing learning.

Overall, this experience reinforced the idea that digital citizenship is not just about using technology. It is about using it wisely, responsibly, and inclusively to build a society that works for everyone.