Using Kela’s services
The Social Insurance Institution of Finland, known as Kela provides important services for residents in Finland. Personally, my family and I use Kela’s digital services frequently for things like healthcare reimbursements, sickness allowances, and some child benefits. Kela’s website and online services make it easy to manage applications and check decisions electronically but sometimes the customer service is really bad. One key service I recently used was for minor fixes that I did to my opintotuki and the user-interface was easy to use, in my opinion.
Another digital service I rely on is OmaKanta, an online platform where individuals can view their personal healthcare data. OmaKanta provides information like doctor’s notes, prescriptions, test results and vaccination records. I accessed the platform using my banking credentials, which is a standard authentication method in Finland.
Pension planning through Keva
I’m surely not planning for retirement yet at 22-years old but it’s another aspect where digital services can be very helpful. I used Keva to check how much pension I would receive if I retire at the age of 63 versus 68. The platform provided clear projections and showed how delaying retirement would increase my pension payments, which I’m feeling conflicted by a little bit.
Comparing prices
E-commerce platforms like Amazon, eBay, Booking.com and Trivago have become essential for buying goods and booking services. I recently compared the prices of products online with those in local shops. On Amazon, products like electronics and clothing were often cheaper than in local stores. Booking.com and Trivago also offered better deals for flights compared to some other websites. These platforms provide cost savings and convenience but there are challenges because sometimes, product descriptions lack important details. Additionally, shipping times can be long, and there is always the risk of receiving a low-quality product.
Digital services in my field
In my field of social media marketing, one of the most valuable tools I use is Hootsuite. I chose this platform because it allows me to schedule posts, track engagement and analyze the performance of marketing campaigns across different platforms. The dashboard is easy to use and I can manage multiple accounts in one place. My experience with Hootsuite has been very positive because it saves time and provides clear insights into what works and what doesn’t in my campaigns.
Another tool that has become increasingly valuable in my work is Canva. Canva is an online graphic design tool that allows me to create professional quality visuals quickly and easily. It is so easy to use! Visual content is essential for social media, and Canva helps me design everything from social media posts and ads to banners and infographics. Its drag-and-drop interface makes it accessible even to those without advanced design skills, and it offers pre-made templates that I can customize for specific campaigns. For example, if I need to create a series of Instagram posts for a product launch, I can use Canva to design eye-catching visuals. It saves time compared to working with professional graphic designers while still delivering high-quality results.
Digitalization and the digital gap
While digitalization brings many benefits, it creates risks and challenges for people who cannot access virtual services because for example some individuals lack digital skills and a reliable internet. This digital gap can leave vulnerable groups at a disadvantage, especially elderly people and those in remote or poorer areas. But to try to fix this, it is important to provide education and resources that help people improve their digital skills. Public services should also offer alternative ways, like phone or in person support, to ensure that everyone has equal access to important services.
What I learned?
Through these assignments, I learned how much digital services have improved life in areas like healthcare, pensions and eCommerce. Platforms like OmaKanta and Kela make managing health and social services much easier, while tools like Hootsuite and Canva streamline my work as a social media marketer. I also realized how important it is to ensure that everyone has access to these services. The digital gap can leave some people behind and it is important to find ways to include them in this digitalized world. We often don’t even realize in Finland how much of a non-brainer it is to have internet access or a working internet. This is not everywhere!
I also learned the value of staying informed about digital tools and resources. They make life more convenient but they also require responsibility for example protecting personal data and using reliable services so that hackers don’t get you in their hook. Living in a digitalized world has made many aspects of life more convenient, however, the change also brings challenges, especially for people who cannot access or use these services. As a digital citizen, I’m committed to using technology responsibly and helping others navigate it the best I can.
Sanni S