Daily in my work I use Microsoft Outlook email and calendar and for internal communication my organization uses Teams. Google Keep I use as my external memory. There I store to-do lists, keep track of travel expense reports, and other important matters. Its best feature is that I can access it on both my phone and my computer, so my notes are conveniently available everywhere. Whatsapp is used for communication with clients and colleagues outside my organization. Occasionally, I use the iPhone keyboard’s dictation function and dictate reports, which I send to myself as messages via Whatsapp. Dictation tool works well, and I can open Whatsapp on my computer, but all personal data must be left out of the dictated text, so I always have to rewrite the reports to add the information afterward. In addition, I use a client information system as well as applications selected by my organization for working time tracking and travel and credit card expenses. Of course, Google is also closely present in everyday life, as I often need unexpected information quickly.

Now that I count the tools I use, it feels like I don’t use many digital tools, yet in my organization I am one who makes the most use of digital solutions. For example, I am the only one who uses an electronic calendar instead of a paper one.

New tools and purposes of use

First, I found the Doodle application, which would be useful for scheduling network meetings. It would save time and make it more efficient to agree on a meeting time. The meetings almost always concern client matters so the reason for the meeting cannot be stated in the application for data security reasons.

In my studies, I could make use of the Miro application for creating mind maps. On paper, a mind map is limited by the size of the paper, and a visually clearer version could be created with a digital tool where corrections leave no trace.

I could use Facebook more in a professional sense. I could search for new pages to follow where professional related information is shared. I could also look for peer support groups to recommend to my clients. I belong to a migraine group from which I have found good tips.

I could start using LinkedIn. I have an account, but I have not been networking a lot, which is why my feed is not very rich. The app could support finding new research or projects in my field. I am not sure if I would want to browse new information daily, but weekly it could be useful.

I use YouTube to watch documentaries or other factual videos. I could search for videos to watch together with clients, through which information could be shared, such as talks by experiential experts. Providing information could be more effective this way than through my own explanations. This idea could also be extended to searching for good podcasts on relevant topics via Spotify or other streaming services.

Digital tools are critical in supporting memory. I believe the hectic work pace is partly a consequence of my working memory functioning rather poorly, and I need to write down even small things that I must remember. On the other hand, it is wonderful to free up thinking when the mind does not have to be burdened with unfinished tasks. I suspect that none of these tools will become part of my daily work, but perhaps they could be used on a weekly basis.

The use of social media

The use of social media is familiar to me, but my interest in it is decreasing. The main reason I use social media is because of friends. I do not feel pressure to update or keep up with friends’ posts, because I know I will hear about truly important matters when we meet. For me, the most suitable content is calming music, relaxation, mobility and stretching exercises, yoga and pilates videos. The more I think that the content I watch may be created by AI, the less interested I am in consuming any content at all. I view all content critically and reflect on the intentions of its creator. I believe there is also harmless content, but most content is created for some purpose and does not reflect real life. The purpose may be personal, commercial or even bad.

Social media is definitely an excellent tool for communication and interaction, and through it one can experience feelings of inclusion or community. At the same time, it can distance us from real interaction and participation and weaken social skills. Real interaction requires presence, concentration, and nonverbal communication, which does not improve through social media use.

Through communication, the mental health effects of social media are positive, as help for loneliness. Peer support is accessible to everyone, and it is easy to find relatable experiences for almost any problem. When positive interaction is easy, bullying and harassment are also easy. At the same time, social media affects negatively mental health, as self-comparison, anxiety, and stress may increase through it.

It is good that reliable information is available to almost everyone at the same time, as well as the opportunity to share information and experiences equally. Learning and personal development have become possible anytime and anywhere. At the same time, the amount of disinformation is large, and the opportunities to spread false information are just as good. However, almost all of us also have the opportunity to compare information and find evidence-based knowledge.

I cannot say whether the use of social media has more positive or negative aspects, but personally I feel I gain more from it, as long as I moderate my own use and understand the risks and negative sides. Using social media requires skills and a willingness to use it correctly. We must be aware of the risks and consequences of misuse for ourselves and others. Parents should teach children how to behave and protect themselves in social media as well.

Successful use of a digital application first and foremost requires a need that it fulfills. The application must make a problem or everyday life easier and save time or effort. It must be user-oriented and function technically as promised, and it must be easily accessible, reliable and secure. The application should be updated and developed according to needs, but not too often, so that usage is not disrupted by updates.

Self-Assessment

This task felt difficult when I had to come up with new tools for daily use. It is hard to think of digital tools for my work that would be used on a daily basis. It may be that I am too accustomed to my current practices and cannot think outside the box. On the other hand, in the social services field, the development of digital tools is probably still in its early stages due to data security and ethical considerations. Thoughts on social media were interesting, because I have not thought of the use of it very deeply recently and I noticed some changes in my habits of usage.