Autor: Ulrich Seidl
Autor: Ulrich Seidl
Digitalization is spreading in our society and dividing people into ONLINERS (those who are digitally active) and OFFLINERS (those who, due to reasons such as rejection, lack of ability, illness, or age, cannot participate in digitalization and are therefore offline). ONLINERS have embraced digital technologies in all important social and personal areas, whether through the use of PCs, laptops, or smartphones. They are active on a variety of social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and Twitter, to name just a few. They search for hashtags, comment, tweet, share, and communicate freely without having to pay postage for letters. They order glasses and medications online, take advantage of the best shopping deals, and regularly compare car insurance, train and flight tickets, as well as mobile and energy providers on the Internet. Millions of ONLINERS have mastered digitalization, earning money through advertising and saving hundreds of euros or dollars every month by optimally utilizing the opportunities of the Internet.
For OFFLINERS, it is different. Many of them lack the knowledge or ability to navigate the digital world. A large portion of this group is likely older, unsupported, and not sufficiently competent to utilize digitalization in the same way as ONLINERS.
Digitalization presents both new challenges and opportunities in our society, but it does not offer the same benefits to everyone. If it is not simplified and adequately supported, those who are offline may suffer the most from the effects of digitalization. They are likely to bear the brunt of this development. The gap between those who are online and those who are not seems to be widening every day.
Unfortunately, there are still many who ignore digitalization and believe that it is possible to turn back the clock. But there is no going back. Those who do not acknowledge reality will have to learn sooner or later—and often the hard way. Continuous learning and adapting are essential today. Without this willingness to evolve, one risks falling behind. The consequences of stagnation can be high, both on an individual and societal level.