If you think digitalization is not relevant for you – think again. Some of us use your specific life’s circumstances as an excuse not to embrace digitalization. Do not make this mistake. Let’s debunk those myths that act as pretence not to welcome digitalization. Read about five popular digitalization fallacies and why they are not true.
Digitalization is not for me because I am old
If you belong to the older generation, do not fall into the trap thinking that digitalization is not for you. In fact, you belong to the group of people who can benefit the most from digitalization.
In globally connected times your children and grandchildren might live far away. Digital tools such as skype, hangouts, or WhatsApp are a great way to stay in touch with your loved ones. You are not only able to talk to them, but you can also see them and take part in their lives.
Frail folks with reduced mobility benefit from digital possibilities. Digitalization can compensate for reduced mobility. Online Shopping, online classes, and online health offerings are great examples.
Healthcare is becoming digital. Already there are smartphone apps to manage chronical diseases or handle medication. According to the Harvard Business Review, apps for the management of chronic conditions have great potential to improve patients’ lives. But using them must be more widely adopted.
I do not need to keep up with digitalization because I have a decent job
You have a decent job that requires a certain level of education or training. You get paid a good salary. In short, you are far from working a mindless minimum wage job that a computer or robot could easily do.
This does not mean that your position will never be redundant due to the introduction of a digital solution. Jobs, that involve skilled and thus expensive personnel, are even more prone to replacement. The reason for this is that investments in expensive software and hardware pay back much more quickly.
The only way you can meet this challenge, is to stay up to date with digital developments in your filed. Do not only rely on the skills you learned some time ago.
Digitalization does not affect me because I work with people, not machines
You might think digitalization is not relevant for you because you work with people. Maybe you are a social worker, doctor, or teacher. But those who work with people should embrace digital tools to reach pupils, patients, or clients. You could even widen your client base.
Even the formerly most face-to-face professions such as GP, therapist, and personal trainers are seeing their clients online now. Use digital tools to communicate, organize your appointments, or keep in touch. For example, check out this article on some digital and non-digital tools to improve your presentation.
I don’t care about digitalization because I don’t work in an IT job
You do not need to work in an IT job to be affected by digitalization. New digital tools are being introduced into many professional fields. Many of those digital solutions are quickly becoming industry standard. Not using them is not an option.
For some of you this transition happens on the job. However, for others the digital transformation might be much more noticeable. Those returning from a longer break or those without access to regular vocational training might be confronted with a digitalized work life more abruptly.
Again, the only solution is embracing digitalization and being willing to learn new digital tools.
I am not interested in digitalization because I am not a computer scientist and I cannot code.
If you think, digitalization does not concern you because you are not a computer scientist; you could not be more mistaken. You can very well be a digital native and never code. Also, you do not have to have a formal education to find yourself right in the middle of the digital revolution. Quite the opposite is true.
As interested user of digital solutions, you find your way around the best tools and gadgets with a user-friendly interface. This makes it necessary to patch together pieces of code yourself. Do not underestimate what you can achieve just by using tools that already exist.