DIGI SOCIETY

Digitalisation developed a lot since my childhood in the early 2000s. I got my first mobile phone when I was 10 years old. It was shockproof and waterproof, so it was perfect for a clumsy child. Just like phones, marketing has also changed a lot in 20 years. Marketing has shifted from print to the internet more and more. Digital development has even taken place in just eight years. When I started my marketing studies in 2015, Facebook and Instagram were probably the most popular social media channels. Nowadays TikTok is starting to take the lead. I remember when I was making my thesis in 2018 and I read about podcasts from a marketing book. I wondered who really listens to them. Well, a few years later, I was listening to them myself.

The coronavirus pandemic brought remote work to the forefront. As the popularity of remote work grew, I was daring to apply for further studies that organised completely remotely.

I am currently studying digital marketing management. It goes without saying that it is a field of the future. Although I have made paper brochures and magazine ads in my job, I believe that marketing will eventually become completely digital.

The digitalisation of marketing

The way businesses communicate with customers, promote their products or services, and build their brands has been revolutionised by the digitalisation of marketing.

Several upcoming trends and technologies are likely to shape the future of digital marketing.

• Artificial intelligence (AI) powered tools can automate tasks, analyse huge amounts of data, and provide personalised experiences for customers on a large scale.
• Voice search is growing due to the rise of smart speakers and virtual assistants. This trend will significantly impact digital marketing, as businesses will have to optimise their content and advertising for voice search queries.
• Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies have the potential to transform how customers interact with brands and products. AR can be used to provide immersive experiences, such as trying on clothes or visualising products in a real-world setting, while VR can be used to create virtual showrooms or product demos.
• Social media platforms are increasingly becoming a key channel for e-commerce

How the digitalisation will change life and work in the future?

The impact of digitalisation on our lives and work is already substantial, and it is expected to persist in the future.

• Digitalisation is anticipated to automate several jobs, particularly those that entail repetitive tasks. This may result in job losses in some industries, but it could also provide workers with additional time to focus on more intricate and imaginative tasks.
• The ability to work remotely has been facilitated by digitalization and this trend is likely to continue. While remote work can provide more flexibility and a better work-life balance, it can also create the feelings of isolation and blur the line between work and home life.
• Digitalisation is promoting more significant connectivity between people, devices, and data. This can lead to more extensive collaboration and innovation, but it can also raise concerns regarding privacy and security.

The risks of open digital society

The benefits of an open digital society, where information is easily available and shared, are numerous, including increased collaboration, innovation, and transparency. Nevertheless, such a society also entails considerable dangers, such as risks associated with data privacy and security, as well as social and economic risks.

• Risks related to data privacy and security: Personal and sensitive information is frequently shared online, which can put individuals and organizations at risk of data breaches and cyberattacks leading to identity theft, financial fraud, and other forms of harm.
• Risks related to disinformation: The dissemination of false or misleading information can have significant social and political consequences, such as undermining public trust in institutions, exacerbating polarization and conflict, and promoting hate speech and propaganda, which can result in social unrest and violence.
• Risks related to cybersecurity: Cyberattacks can be employed to disrupt critical infrastructure, such as transportation systems and power grids, causing widespread chaos and disruption. Additionally, cyberattacks can be used to steal sensitive information, resulting in harm to national security and economic interests.

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) seeks to address some of these risks by strengthening data protection rights for individuals and increasing accountability for organisations that handle personal data.

Positive Effects

GDPR has played a critical role in increasing awareness regarding the significance of data privacy and the necessity for individuals to retain control over their personal information. As a result, companies and organizations are now providing greater transparency regarding their collection, storage, and use of personal data. This transparency has led to the improved protection of personal information and a decline in the occurrence of data breaches.

Negative Effects

The implementation of GDPR has resulted in higher compliance expenses for companies and organisations that manage personal data, which can create difficulties for small businesses and non-profit organizations.

Numerous companies and organisations have encountered difficulties interpreting and adhering to GDPR requirements. As a result, confusion and non-compliance can arise, which may endanger personal data.

A self evaluation

Although digitalisation is familiar to me, and I am studying digital marketing, I was able to deepen my knowledge. Especially the risks of digitalisation became clearer to me. For example, I didn’t know about GDPR and its negative effects on business. As digitalisation will continue to transform the world, it is important to be well protected against possible cyber attacks. After the war starts in Ukraine, my workplace was also targeted by cyber attacks a few times. It is difficult to work in my field without an internet connection nowadays.

I commented…

https://isokenblog.wordpress.com/digi-society/

Hello! Interesting article which provides a balanced perspective on the role of technology in the social and healthcare fields. 

https://blogi.savonia.fi/sannahapponen/digi-society/

Hello Sanna! Your personal reflections provide an interesting perspective on the benefits and risks associated with digitalization and the need for individuals to be aware of the potential dangers. Good job!