How well does the digital community work if someone is outside? The divide between those who stand within, and those who stand on the outside of the digital community has rapidly widened. Our community is supposed to be inclusive. The welfare state's public schemes should be available to all. Then it is important that the entire population has sufficient skills to apply the necessary services. It is a societal problem when public services, social events and democratic participation in society become inaccessible to more people.
Digitalization can stand in the way of democratic participation
Technology allows even more people to participate in democracy. For some, the opposite happens. Those who are then already standing outside will become even more vulnerable, and fall from. Besides contributing negatively to public health, the problem of digital outsourcing can pose a threat to freedom of expression and participation in democracy. Public debates, news, public life and public speaking in general take place more digitally.
A digital divide exists in our society. The distinction runs between those who can take full advantage of an accessible and secure digital space, with a full range of services - and those who can't. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed a new “digital poverty”, making it crucial to ensure that all citizens can leverage the digital transformation for participation in our democratic society.
The challenge will not go away
It may be close to thinking that the challenge of digital outsourcing will disappear with today's seniors. Much suggests that this is not the case. In just ten years, for the first time, we will be more older than younger. Technology is advancing at a furious pace. The requirement for what are considered basic digital skills is increasing. In order to follow the digital development, everyone will need opportunities for skills development, but the needs will vary.
In other words, it will not be enough to master today's digital solutions if tomorrow's technology looks completely different. The distinctions between digitally competent users, and non-or partially digital users, will become even clearer.
We are no more digital than the weakest link
Although most people are engaged in an increasingly digital everyday life, society as a whole will be no more competent than its weakest link. It becomes important not to run from those who have the most need to hang out. This is not to say that we should not develop society in a more digital and efficient direction. On the other hand, we need to build the digital society with tools that work. We are many who need to help include more.
A practical example
In February 2021, Oslo Municipality asked the first priority vaccination group to register digitally to receive the COVID vaccine. This became challenging for many. The target audience at the time was seniors between the ages of 75 and 84. Among other things, one would have to click on a link in an email, use BankID, use two-step verification with a PIN sent to SMS on the mobile phone, create a new PIN code, as well as give consent to the use of a number of personal data by several public service providers. It was learned that many were insecure in the face of this digital task. The case is a prime example of why a digital skills boost for seniors is needed.
