My own experiences with digitization.
I was born in the 1980s, and because of this, I have seen the technological revolution and experienced the accelerating phase of the digital process. Maybe it’s accelerating in all of us, no matter what era we were born in. Technology and digitization have always been exciting topics for me. I remember how our family first got a PC 286Mhz. On the MS dos platform, various commands were given that the computer understood. The biggest games or programs work on most floppy disks so that the computer’s memory is sufficient.
When we talk about the change in digitalization, we may not understand all the profound changes it brings to people’s lives. Digitization has already changed many industries, from finance to healthcare and retail. For example, in the financial sector, digitalization has made it easier and faster for customers to access their accounts and complete transactions. Mobile banking apps and online payment systems have become increasingly popular, and some banks have even started using AI-based chatbots to provide customer service. Can we question all of this? Has digitalization made our lives easier or more complicated?
I have worked in several different fields during my career. In the healthcare industry where I used to work, digitization has led to the development of electronic health records and telemedicine. It enables patients to receive medical treatment remotely, which could not be done before. Wearable devices and health applications have also become more common, allowing patients to, for example, monitor their own health and share information with doctors. Digitalization, in other words, also defines new ways for us to take care of our health.
Another example comes from retail. Digitalization has led to the rise of e-commerce, where customers can shop online, and the products are delivered directly to their doorstep. Many brick-and-mortar stores have also begun to utilize digital technologies such as interactive displays and augmented reality to improve the customer experience. It has opened up new business models that only digitalization has made possible.
Looking into the future, it is clear that digitalization will continue impacting our lives and working lives significantly. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are becoming increasingly important, allowing companies to analyze large amounts of data and make more informed decisions. The Internet of Things (IoT) connects more devices and enables greater automation, enabling businesses to operate more efficiently and productively.
There are also concerns about the effects of digitization on work and privacy. As automation increases, machines may replace some jobs, and workers must adapt to new roles and skills. Data protection and security also play a significant role, especially as more personal information is shared and stored online. We have heard unpleasant news about this, for example, in the case of the Psychotherapy Center Vastaamo.
All in all, digitalization will shape our lives and work in the coming years. While there are challenges to be overcome, the potential benefits are significant, and businesses and individuals alike must adapt and embrace digital technology to thrive in the digital age. And especially in healthcare, this change can be seen more every day.
GDPR
I am a supporter of digitization. I feel that an open digital society brings many advantages but also contains significant risks. Risks include loss of privacy, cyber-attacks, identity theft, and misuse of personal data.
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a comprehensive reform of the European Union’s data protection legislation, which aims to address these risks and ensure the protection of individuals’ data.
I feel that GDPR has significantly impacted my private and professional life. For example, as an individual, I now have more control over my data, including the right to access, correct, and delete it. I also have the right to be informed about how my data is used and the right to give or withdraw my consent to the use of my data. As a professional, I am responsible for ensuring that my organization complies with the GDPR, which includes implementing appropriate security measures, conducting data protection impact assessments, and reporting data breaches. My workplace has clear guidelines and operating culture for this.
The positive effects of GDPR are numerous. It strengthens individuals’ rights to privacy and reinforces their control over their data. It also creates a level playing field for companies operating in the EU and ensures that all companies, regardless of location, are subject to the same data protection laws. GDPR has also raised awareness of the importance of data protection and privacy, prompting many organizations to improve their data processing practices.
However, GDPR has also had some adverse, opposite effects. Complying with the requirements can be challenging and expensive, especially for small and medium-sized companies. GDPR requirements can be vague and difficult to interpret, leading to confusion and legal disputes. In addition, GDPR’s emphasis on consent and transparency can lead to excessive data when individuals are bombarded with requests for support and notices about data processing.
In conclusion, GDPR is an essential tool for protecting the privacy of individuals in an open digital society. Although there are some challenges, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. As the digital landscape evolves, it is essential to ensure that data protection legislation keeps pace with technological developments and continues to provide adequate protection for individuals’ data.
Self evaluation
I have already dealt with these topics in my studies in other courses, so the subject was already very familiar. However, you always learn something new and get inspired by interesting new videos and other people’s thoughts. Writing these thoughts down was important because it helped me structure what kind of entity it is for myself. And this is a big topic. All of this is about how much we can trust digital services. What is safe, and what is harmful to us? Do we understand its full potential? I want to learn to think about this topic as critically as possible. This helps me develop better solutions both in my professional and private life.
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