Digi Citizen – Experiences and Reflections

We are living in the middle of constant change, both in working life and at home. Digitalization has long been part of our daily lives, but in recent years it has become nearly all-encompassing. Being a “digital citizen” is not just about knowing how to use a computer or smartphone; it involves a wider understanding: access to services, e-commerce, communication, literacy, etiquette, rights and responsibilities, health, and security. In this post, I reflect on my personal experiences with digital citizenship through the different tasks of this assignment.

Kela and Digital Services

At the moment, I do not actively use any Kela services, but in the past I have received student benefits, housing allowance, and unemployment support. Overall, I would say that Finland still has a relatively strong social security system. However, applying for benefits often involves bureaucracy, unclear rules, and case-by-case interpretations. “Benefit traps” are also a real issue: returning to work is made difficult unless one can find full-time employment.

I have a European Health Insurance Card, although I have never had to use it abroad. I am also familiar with OmaKanta, but since I am healthy, I rarely need to check my health records. Using the Keva pension calculator was eye-opening: the estimated pension is not high, and I believe society will continue cutting pensions in the future. It convinced me that it is crucial to secure one’s own financial future through saving and investing.

From a usability perspective, all of these services were straightforward to access and navigate. Still, I can easily imagine how difficult they must be for many elderly people. Personally, I found the information I needed quickly, but the digital divide becomes visible precisely here: for those unfamiliar with digital tools, the threshold to use them is high.

Online Stores and Accommodation Services

I explored Amazon, Hotels.com, and VRBO. My observations were:

  • Amazon is generally cheaper than Finnish online stores, and the selection is much broader. Books and smaller products feel safe and convenient to order. However, when it comes to electronics, I would prefer to buy domestically because of warranty issues. I would not want to spend months dealing with a foreign company for a repair or replacement.
  • Hotels.com is practical for international travel, but in Finland the cheapest prices are often found directly on the hotel’s own website.
  • VRBO is similar to Airbnb but focuses more on houses and villas. Its filters make it easier to find exactly what you are looking for, which in my opinion makes it more convenient for certain types of stays.

In general, I trust Finnish stores more, especially large, established ones. Their terms and customer service are clear. At the same time, price and selection often tip the balance in favor of international services. Physical stores still have value, especially when an expert salesperson can provide advice, but increasingly I find myself relying on online reviews instead.

An App from My Field – Wolt

I have used Wolt both as a customer and as a restaurant manager. To be frank, I dislike the app and the entire food delivery trend.

As a customer, Wolt is undeniably convenient, but I believe something important is lost. Dining out is not only about the food but also about the atmosphere, the presentation, and the social experience. When food arrives in a box after sitting in a courier’s bag for up to an hour, it loses freshness and appeal.

From the perspective of the workforce, I see the “platform economy” model as exploitative. Couriers work as independent contractors with responsibility but without security.

From the restaurant’s side, the biggest issue is financial. Wolt takes a large commission, and restaurants are not allowed to raise prices on the app to compensate. Orders also spike during peak dining hours, meaning staff must juggle dine-in customers and delivery orders at the same time. This slows service and sometimes lowers quality. To me, this situation feels like being at a government office where the clerk interrupts your service to answer a phone call: frustrating for the person who actually showed up in person.

I neither use Wolt as a customer nor would I want it in my restaurant. Still, it is clearly here to stay. The only way forward is for restaurants to offer something unique that food delivery cannot replace.

The Digital Divide and Its Risks

Those who do not use digital services—or cannot—are at a disadvantage. Increasingly, the world is built around digital platforms, and personal service options are being reduced. At banks and tax offices, queues are filled almost entirely with elderly people. In rural areas, in-person services are practically non-existent, leaving residents with only two choices: go digital or travel long distances to a larger town.

For immigrants, the challenge is not digital skills but language. Finnish is notoriously difficult to learn, and if English is not an option either, access to services becomes very limited. For these groups, either personal service with interpretation or training in translation tools and the most important Finnish websites would be essential.

Commenting on Other Blogs

I also read other students’ posts and left comments:

It was interesting to see how others approached the same topic from slightly different angles. Many had similar findings, but their reflections highlighted aspects such as the challenges of healthcare digitalization or the importance of online safety.

Digital Competence Test

I completed the digital competence test, which confirmed my self-image: I am already highly skilled in many areas. However, the results also pointed out some weaknesses. For example, I could use automation more effectively instead of doing so many things manually. Image editing is another skill I should improve.

Self-Reflection and Conclusion

Overall, I found this assignment both useful and thought-provoking. Looking into my pension forced me to think seriously about the future. Reading other students’ blogs showed me that digitalization truly touches every aspect of life, not just for younger generations.

For me, artificial intelligence has already become such an integral part of my work process that I can hardly imagine managing without it. It has completely changed the way I create, research, and solve problems. I see myself as a strong digital native, but there are still areas where I need to improve. If one hopes to thrive in the future workforce—and perhaps even reach retirement age at 70—it is essential to keep up with technological progress.

Digitalization is no longer the future—it is the present. Digital citizenship is now a part of everyday life, whether we like it or not. The most important thing is to face this change realistically: keep developing our skills, embrace new tools, and ensure that we are not left behind.