Introduction: What Does It Mean to Be a Digital Citizen?

Digital citizenship refers to the ability of individuals to participate fully and responsibly in a digital society. As digital technologies increasingly shape everyday life, work, and access to services, being a digital citizen involves not only technical skills but also awareness of rights, responsibilities, well-being, and ethical conduct in digital environments. Digital citizenship encompasses participation in online communication, use of digital public and private services, and the capacity to navigate digital systems in a safe and informed manner.

Image 1: Man with Laptop. Image by Avi Richards, Unsplash 2026.

In contemporary society, digital citizenship is closely linked to access. Public services, health care, education, and commerce are increasingly provided through digital platforms, making digital competence a prerequisite for social inclusion. While digitalisation offers convenience and efficiency, it also creates new forms of inequality for those who lack digital skills, language proficiency, or access to appropriate technologies. From this perspective, digital citizenship is not equally distributed, and the ability to act as a digital citizen depends on both individual capabilities and societal support structures.

From a professional and societal viewpoint, digital citizenship also involves responsibility. Issues such as data protection, respectful online behaviour, critical evaluation of information, and digital well-being are central to participating in a digital society in a sustainable way. In fields such as social and health care, digital citizenship is particularly relevant, as both professionals and service users rely on digital systems to access sensitive information and essential services. This assignment explores digital citizenship through personal experiences and professional reflections, focusing on digital services, digital inclusion, and the challenges faced by individuals in an increasingly digitalised society.

Digital Citizenship in Everyday Life (KELA, OmaKanta, Pension)

Image 2: Online Service. Image by Shoper, Unsplash 2026.

Digital citizenship becomes particularly visible in everyday interactions with public services. In Finland, many essential social security and health care services are primarily accessed through digital platforms, which places digital competence at the centre of everyday citizenship. Services provided by the Social Insurance Institution of Finland (KELA), OmaKanta, and pension-related systems are concrete examples of how digitalisation shapes citizens’ daily lives and responsibilities.

KELA’s digital services enable individuals to apply for benefits, submit supporting documents, and follow the progress of applications online. From a user perspective, digital services improve accessibility and efficiency by reducing the need for physical visits and enabling independent management of personal matters. At the same time, the complexity of forms, digital authentication requirements, and specialised terminology may create challenges, particularly for those with limited digital skills, language barriers, or cognitive difficulties. This highlights how digital citizenship requires not only access to technology but also sufficient support and guidance.

OmaKanta provides citizens with access to their personal health care data, including medical records, prescriptions, and treatment summaries. Accessing OmaKanta typically requires strong electronic identification, such as online banking credentials, which reflects the high level of digital trust embedded in Finnish society. From a digital citizenship perspective, OmaKanta can be empowering, as it increases transparency and supports individuals’ right to access their own health information. However, it also requires citizens to understand complex medical information and to take greater responsibility for managing their data, which may not be equally feasible for everyone.

Digital pension services offer another example of how future-oriented life planning has become part of digital citizenship. By accessing pension estimates online, individuals can explore different retirement scenarios and reflect on long-term financial security. While these tools provide valuable information, they may also create uncertainty or stress, as abstract numerical projections can be difficult to interpret. Overall, these everyday digital services demonstrate how digital citizenship in Finland is closely tied to autonomy, responsibility, and the ability to navigate increasingly complex digital systems.

Digital Services and Digital Commerce

Digital services and digital commerce are central components of digital citizenship, as they shape how individuals make everyday decisions, access information, and engage in economic activity. Online platforms such as booking services, e-commerce websites, and comparison tools enable consumers to compare prices, read reviews, and make purchases quickly and independently. From a digital citizen’s perspective, these services offer convenience, transparency, and a wide range of choices.

When comparing digital services to local or physical alternatives, price advantages are often evident. Online platforms may offer lower prices due to reduced operational costs and broader competition. At the same time, the abundance of information can be both a benefit and a challenge. While consumers have access to detailed descriptions, user reviews, and comparison tools, the reliability and accuracy of information require critical evaluation. Reviews may be biased or manipulated, and the responsibility for assessing trustworthiness increasingly lies with the user.

Digital commerce also raises questions related to consumer rights and data use. Many digital services collect extensive data on user behaviour, preferences, and purchasing history. While this can improve personalisation and user experience, it also increases concerns related to privacy and data protection. Digital citizens are often required to accept terms and conditions that are complex and rarely read in full, which may limit informed consent.

From the perspective of digital citizenship, using digital services responsibly involves more than making purchases. It requires digital literacy, awareness of consumer rights, and the ability to recognise reliable services. In addition, not all individuals benefit equally from digital commerce. Those with limited digital access or skills may be excluded from price advantages or essential services. Therefore, digital services and commerce highlight both the opportunities and responsibilities associated with participation in a digital society.

Digital Services in Social and Health Care

Digital services play an increasingly important role in social and health care, shaping how services are accessed, delivered, and experienced by both professionals and service users. Digital appointment systems, remote consultations, electronic health records, and online guidance platforms have become integral parts of everyday care. From a digital citizenship perspective, these services can enhance accessibility, continuity of care, and individual participation in health-related decision-making.

In social and health care, digital services offer significant benefits, particularly in preventive care and health promotion. Remote services and digital self-care tools can support early intervention, enable monitoring of health indicators, and provide timely guidance without the need for physical visits. For many users, digital services increase flexibility and autonomy, allowing individuals to manage their health and well-being in ways that better fit their daily lives.

However, digital services in social and health care also present challenges related to digital competence, trust, and equality. Not all service users have the skills or resources needed to navigate digital systems, which may limit their ability to access care. Language barriers, cognitive challenges, and physical impairments can further complicate the use of digital services. From a professional standpoint, this highlights the responsibility to ensure that digital services complement rather than replace traditional forms of care.

From a digital citizenship perspective, social and health care services require a high level of data protection and ethical awareness. Service users must trust that their personal and sensitive information is handled responsibly. At the same time, professionals must balance efficient digital practices with human-centred care. Digital services should empower citizens, support inclusion, and strengthen well-being, while ensuring that no one is excluded due to the increasing reliance on digital solutions.

Digital Gap and Exclusion

Despite the increasing availability of digital services, not all individuals are able to participate equally in a digitalised society. The digital gap refers to inequalities in access to technology, digital skills, and the ability to use digital services effectively. These inequalities can lead to digital exclusion, where individuals are unable to access essential services, information, or opportunities that are increasingly provided through digital platforms.

Image 3: Online Service. Image by Vitaly Gariev, Unsplash 2026.

Digital exclusion affects certain population groups more than others. Older adults, people with limited education, individuals with disabilities, migrants with language barriers, and those in socioeconomically vulnerable situations are at higher risk of being excluded from digital services. In social and health care, digital exclusion can have serious consequences, as access to care, benefits, and information may depend on digital competence. From a digital citizenship perspective, the ability to use digital services should not become a prerequisite for receiving essential support.

In professional practice, digital exclusion highlights the responsibility of institutions and professionals to recognise and address these barriers. Providing alternative service channels, offering guidance and support, and designing accessible digital services are essential measures to reduce exclusion. Digital literacy education and clear, user-centred design can support individuals in developing the skills needed to participate in a digital society.

From a broader societal viewpoint, narrowing the digital gap requires policy-level commitment and cross-sector collaboration. Digitalisation should be guided by principles of inclusion, accessibility, and equity. Ensuring that all citizens can act as digital citizens is not only a technical challenge but a social and ethical responsibility that directly affects well-being, participation, and social justice.

Digital Competence and Learning

Digital competence is a core element of digital citizenship, as it enables individuals to use digital technologies safely, effectively, and responsibly. Digital competence includes technical skills, critical evaluation of information, understanding of digital rights and responsibilities, and the ability to adapt to new digital tools and environments. In a rapidly digitalising society, digital competence is not a static skill but a continuous learning process.

Learning digital skills takes place in multiple contexts, including formal education, working life, and everyday experiences. Digital services often require users to learn by doing, which can be empowering for some but overwhelming for others. From a digital citizenship perspective, unequal opportunities to develop digital competence can reinforce existing social inequalities. Those with limited access to education, support, or technology may struggle to keep up with digital developments.

The Digital Competence Test provided as part of this course offers an opportunity to reflect on one’s own digital skills. Completing the test can increase awareness of strengths and areas for further development. From a learning perspective, such assessments support self-reflection and encourage continuous skill development rather than fixed competence levels.

In professional fields such as social and health care, digital competence is closely linked to ethical practice and quality of services. Professionals must not only use digital tools effectively but also support clients and patients in navigating digital systems. Continuous learning, critical digital literacy, and organisational support are therefore essential to ensure that digitalisation strengthens, rather than undermines, inclusion and well-being in society.

Self-Evaluation

Through this assignment, I developed a deeper understanding of digital citizenship as a multifaceted concept that extends beyond technical skills. Reflecting on everyday digital services highlighted how closely digital participation is connected to autonomy, responsibility, and access to essential services. I became more aware of how digital systems can both empower individuals and create barriers, particularly for those who lack digital skills or adequate support. As part of this assignment, I also completed the Digital Competence Test and reflected on my own digital skills.

This assignment also strengthened my understanding of the ethical and professional responsibilities related to digital citizenship in social and health care. I learned the importance of supporting digital competence while ensuring inclusive and accessible service delivery. In the future, I would like to further explore ways to reduce digital exclusion and promote digital citizenship that supports well-being, equality, and participation in an increasingly digitalised society.