The Over-Digitalization Οf Daily Life

The increasing digitalization of everyday life is accompanied by numerous benefits, but also brings a range of challenges. 

The technological revolution provides access to unlimited information, with speed and ease, improves our communications and quality of life, while increasing productivity and bringing innovation. At the same time, however, it complicates certain processes, excludes groups unfamiliar with technology, and may even affect interpersonal relationships.

How many QR codes did you scan today?

Many services now require us to scan a QR code in order to:

• View a restaurant menu: This is usually done on our mobile phones. This method became popular during the pandemic, as a safety measure, but it has remained, allowing us to order from the small screen of our phone without having to gather over a stylish menu as a group.
• Rate our experience: After the meal, we are often kindly asked to scan a QR code to rate our experience.
• Enter venues: Before entering an airport, a concert, or a theater, we usually need to scan our ticket in the digital wallet. This means we must have our phone fully charged and ready to use, preventing any complaints from the people standing in the queue.
• Other uses: QR codes now have many other applications and every minute 8 new QR codes are being generate on average. They have replaced business cards, coupons, product information, Wi-Fi connections, and information about a work of art, among others.

More cases of over-digitalization

In Greek pharmacies, paperless prescriptions were abruptly implemented, despite pharmacists continuing to print and affix the coupons. Income tax declarations are now exclusively filed digitally, transactions occur massively through digital wallets, and interactions with banks have shifted significantly, often requiring frustrating calls to reach a “Representative!”.

If Google’s server encounters a problem, we will lose the ability to communicate via Gmail, potentially along with our photos and documents stored on Drive, and the places we intended to visit as saved in Google Maps.

A case study in point is the global technological blackout of Microsoft, which plunged the computer systems of nearly the entire planet into darkness, impacting eight and a half million users, including airlines, banks, telecommunications companies, hospitals, as well as smaller companies and individuals.

The benefits of technology

There’s no doubt that technology and digitalization are constantly evolving, bringing countless positive changes to our daily lives. Incredible advancements are happening all the time. Technology has the power to save lives, educate and entertain us, transport us to distant places. Our cities and homes are becoming smarter, we can process vast amounts of data faster and more effectively, and AI has already made a significant impact on our routines this year (read more about artificial intelligence in the third issue of The Astralón Times).

When it comes to our personal lives, most of us would probably agree that AI would be more beneficial if it focused on tasks we tend to avoid, rather than creative endeavors. For instance, AI could be more helpful with household chores and other boring tasks, leaving us the joy of creativity.

The challenges of digitalization and groups that are being exluded

Things aren’t always rosy and perfect, let’s be honest. Beyond the ethical challenges of artificial intelligence, it’s clear that in simpler cases, as mentioned above, there hasn’t been adequate consideration for groups such as the elderly, individuals with accessibility needs, or in some cases, children. Older people often experience technophobia and anxiety about keeping up with technological advancements, relying on younger individuals or professionals for even simple tasks. The lack of knowledge and proper information increases the risk of being deceived. Despite efforts to promote inclusivity, the benefits of digitalization are not equitably distributed across all segments of society.

Looking at a broader perspective, a third of the global population is still not connected to the internet, while 31% do not have a smartphone. And in Europe at least, healthcare innovations are more readily available to those who can afford them.

We should also not forget the groups of people who voluntarily choose to opt out of this technological leap, users who aim to limit their screen time and technological gadget use, thereby strengthening their interpersonal relationships and their connection to a more natural way of life.

When do we need digitalization?

The main criteria that the digitalization of everyday life should meet are ease of use, speed, security, user experience, and cost reduction. By evaluating tools and processes based on these factors, we retain the right to choose whether to implement or use the proposed digital solution.

During the development of a digital process, its usefulness and the experience of each individual remain priority. Algorithms are evolving, and it is crucial that they offer real value to the user. Ideally, applications will be truly intelligent, when capable of guiding and educating the user on how to use them, facilitating and improving everyday life, and in no way burdening it.

What does the substantial penetration of digitalization require?

• Structural changes and scientific study.
• Educational programs for the elderly and socially “excluded” groups. 
• A clear advantage from the use of digital media. 
• Regulations for the protection of personal data.

Not every process needs to be digitized solely for the sake of digitization. It should be determined from the outset whether the service itself is useful without attempting to digitize it. Furthermore, there is a need for vigilance and preventive measures, resilience, and adaptability, so that we are always in the best position to face any future disruptions that were not initially foreseen.

Until we reach this point and the ideal balance, perhaps we should continue to carry around – every now and then – some paper & pencil or a newspaper?