Experiences with Digital Services in Everyday Life
In today’s society, digital services are everywhere, from studying and working to taking care of health and daily errands. During this assignment, I explored several public and private digital services that are part of my life in Finland and reflected on what I use, what works well, and what might be difficult for others.
My Personal Use of KELA Services
KELA offers many useful services for citizens. These services are easy to manage through KELA’s online portal, and I usually log in with bank credentials, which is the standard method in Finland.
I travel alot, so I already have a European Health Insurance Card, which allows me to receive necessary medical care if I travel in another EU country. The application process was easy, and the card arrived by mail quite quickly.
In my opinion, KELA’s online services are well designed and reliable, though understanding all the benefits and conditions can sometimes be confusing, especially for someone who is new to the system or does not speak Finnish fluently.
Accessing My Health Data via OmaKanta
OmaKanta is a national online health service in Finland where users can see their own health records, prescriptions, and vaccination information. I logged in using my bank ID, which is the usual secure login method for public services.
It was interesting to see a full history of past doctor visits and prescriptions. I also appreciated being able to renew prescriptions online without having to contact a doctor directly. I think this kind of transparency and easy access is a great example of how digitalization can improve healthcare and empower individuals.
Comparing Online Shops to Local Prices
I visited a few global online stores: eBay, Amazon, Booking.com, and Trivago, and compared their offers to prices in Finnish stores and services. On Booking.com, I found that hotel prices were often similar or slightly cheaper than on Finnish travel agency websites, especially when using discount filters. Amazon and eBay sometimes had lower prices for electronics or accessories compared to local shops, but shipping costs and delivery times often made them less attractive.
The platforms themselves are mostly reliable and easy to use, with lots of reviews and photos to help in decision-making. However, I’ve noticed that some products or sellers may be misleading, so reading reviews is very important. Also, returning items can be more complicated compared to local purchases.
For people who aren’t used to online shopping or don’t understand the language well, these services might feel risky or too complex.
A Digital Tool from My Own Field: Jira
As a product manager in the fintech industry, one of the most important tools I use daily is Jira, a project management and issue tracking platform. It helps our team plan, organize, and follow up on development work in a structured way.
I use Jira to manage the product backlog, prioritize tasks, and track progress in sprints. It allows me to create clear user stories, link them to epics, and ensure that both business and technical requirements are understood. Our developers update the status of their tasks, which gives everyone visibility into what’s being worked on and what’s ready for testing or review.
One of the biggest benefits of Jira is that it brings clarity and structure to complex development processes. It also integrates well with Confluence, where we keep our documentation, and with Slack, which we use for daily communication.
However, Jira can be a bit overwhelming for new users. The interface has many options, and setting up the right workflows requires some experience. Still, once properly configured, it is a powerful tool that supports agile product development and helps teams stay aligned.
Jira is not just a task board, it’s a core part of how we deliver value to customers.
Risks of the Digital Gap
Digital tools make life easier for many people, but NOT for everyone. Some people, especially the elderly or those with low digital skills, may find it hard to use online services.
Common problems include:
- No device or internet
- Poor digital skills or no support
- Fear of mistakes or online scams
- Language difficulties
As services go online, some people risk being left out. Booking a doctor’s appointment or applying for financial support can feel impossible without help. That’s why it’s important to provide clear guidance, human support, and alternative options.
Digitalization should include everyone, not make things harder for those already struggling.
Digital Competence Test: Key Learnings
I also took the Digital Competence Wheel self-assessment, which measures skills in areas like online safety, communication, and digital content creation.
I found that I’m strong in using digital communication tools, which matches my daily work. However, I could improve in understanding data protection and how to manage my digital identity better.
This tool helped me reflect on my own skills and set goals for future learning.
Self-Reflection
This assignment helped me realize how many digital tools I already use, and how much I take them for granted. Services like KELA and OmaKanta are advanced and easy to use if you have the right skills. But I now better understand how hard things can be for those who don’t.
One key insight is that trust is essential in digital services. People must feel safe when they share personal information or handle important tasks online.
In the future, I want to support digital tools that are not only smart but also accessible and inclusive. And I want to keep developing my own skills, both in my job and in daily life.
I commented on:
https://blogi.savonia.fi/sannikau/digi-citizen/
https://blogi.savonia.fi/amtsilandia/digi-citizen/
https://blogi.savonia.fi/ingachirvanen/digi-citizen/