Digitalization has significantly transformed our society over the past decades. It has enhanced services, introduced new opportunities, and impacted various aspects of life, such as social security, healthcare, and working life. This essay will explore the effects of the digital society on individuals, focusing on KELA’s role, healthcare digitalization, online services, and digital inequality.
KELA, or the Social Insurance Institution of Finland, is a state agency responsible for granting and managing social security benefits. It provides various forms of support for Finnish residents, including:
- Health and medical benefits, such as sickness allowance and medication reimbursements
- Family benefits, such as child allowances and parental benefits
- Study benefits, including student financial aid and housing supplements
- Basic social assistance, which serves as a last-resort financial aid
- Unemployment security, covering basic unemployment allowance and labor market subsidy
- Pension and disability benefits, ensuring income security in different life situations
KELA aims to guarantee everyone’s right to basic income and services. Digitalization has significantly impacted KELA’s services, as most applications and customer service interactions now occur online. While this has made processes more efficient for many, it has also contributed to digital inequality, leaving some individuals struggling to access essential services.
Personal Experiences with KELA Services and Digital Solutions
Throughout my life, I have received several benefits from KELA, such as student financial aid, parental benefits, child allowances, sickness allowance, and medication reimbursements. Most recently, I obtained a European Health Insurance Card, which was a simple process thanks to digital services.
KELA’s electronic services have improved the efficiency of handling matters but also raise accessibility concerns. Those without access to digital tools or strong authentication methods, such as bank credentials, may face difficulties managing their affairs effectively. This is particularly challenging for the elderly and individuals unfamiliar with digital platforms.
Utilizing Digitalization in Healthcare
I have been using the OmaKanta service for years. It allows me to easily access my medical records and renew prescriptions. The service requires strong authentication, which enhances data security.
Healthcare digitalization has improved patient safety, facilitated information access, and enabled remote consultations. In my work as a diabetes nurse, I use various digital applications to monitor blood sugar levels. Some insulin pumps utilize artificial intelligence and cloud services, allowing for better treatment, monitoring and optimization of diabetes management.
In the future, healthcare digitalization will likely continue evolving. AI-assisted diagnostic systems, automated treatment recommendations, and personalized health monitoring applications will become more common, potentially enhancing healthcare efficiency and improving patients’ quality of life.
Retirement Age and Digital Accessibility
Various online platforms allow users to check their estimated retirement age. I reviewed my pension information on Keva’s website. According to current estimates, if I retire at 63, my pension will be 1,987.65 €/month. If I continue working until 68, my pension will increase to 2,259.02 €/month. This demonstrates how extending one’s career can significantly impact pension income.
Digitalization enables more flexible working methods, such as remote work and automated processes. However, it also presents new challenges, such as the need for continuous skill development and adaptation to technological advancements.
Webshop and Digital Services
I frequently use online shopping platforms such as Amazon, Temu, Booking.com, and Trivago. Online prices are often more affordable than those in brick-and-mortar stores, but online shopping also comes with risks, such as security vulnerabilities and scams. Users need to be aware of potential threats and recognize reliable service providers.
Digital applications and services have reshaped consumer behavior and made transactions more convenient. However, they have also increased users’ dependence on digital platforms, which can be problematic if security breaches occur or if services become inaccessible to certain individuals.
Digital Inequality and Its Challenges
While digitalization brings numerous benefits, it also exacerbates inequality. Not everyone has access to digital services or the necessary skills to use them. Today, most banking and Kela-related matters are handled digitally, yet many elderly individuals lack the bank credentials or devices to authenticate themselves in these services. This places some people at a disadvantage and makes it harder for them to access essential services.
I took a digital competency test and received a Level 5 (Advanced) rating. This means I am capable of performing various digital tasks and assisting others in using digital tools. However, for many people, digital skills remain a challenge. It is crucial for society to invest in digital literacy for all age groups to bridge this gap.
Conclusion
Digitalization has transformed our society in numerous ways. It has facilitated transactions, improved healthcare, and introduced new opportunities in the workplace. However, it has also increased inequality and created new challenges, such as cybersecurity threats and growing dependence on digital systems.
In the future, digital skills will be even more essential, and younger generations will naturally acquire these abilities. However, ensuring that all citizens can utilize digital services and that no one is excluded from technological advancements is crucial. Improving the accessibility of digital environments is a societal issue that requires solutions to ensure equal participation for everyone in an increasingly digital world.soon.”
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