Kela
Kela provides social security coverage to permanent residents and workers in Finland, with the possibility of coverage in certain situations for individuals residing abroad. I relocated to Finland after finishing high school and have resided here for over 12 years, becoming a citizen and gaining a thorough understanding of the local social security programs provided by the government.
Throughout various stages of my life, Kela’s services have been crucial. During my Bachelor’s and Master’s studies, I received student support for both housing and meals, and Kela acted as a guarantor for my student loans. It is fortunate for Finnish citizens to have such comprehensive support available to them. In my home country of Estonia, this level of support does not exist or is extremely limited.
OmaKanta
I frequently utilize Omakanta, a platform where one can access their personal health data, medical records, and various certificates. Additionally, it allows for simple renewal and viewing of prescriptions. To log in to Omakanta, strong authentication is required, and I personally use mobile verification along with my online banking credentials. I find the login process to be efficient and user-friendly.
I anticipate that Omakanta will continue to evolve and expand its offerings, and I have encouraged my loved ones to utilize it regularly as well.
Keva
Keva is the largest pension provider in the public sector. Based on their calculator, my projected retirement age is 69. I have no desire to disclose my pension income on social media.
Digital Shopping
The statement raises important questions about the reliability and value of digital marketplaces such as eBay, Amazon, Booking.com, and Trivago in the context of the Finnish market.
In terms of prices, it is well known that online marketplaces can offer lower prices than traditional brick-and-mortar stores due to their lower overhead costs. However, it’s important to note that factors such as shipping costs and potential import taxes can increase the overall cost of purchasing goods from an international marketplace.
Furthermore, it’s crucial to evaluate the quality and accuracy of information provided by these services. For example, when booking travel accommodations through Booking.com or Trivago, users rely on the accuracy of the information provided regarding amenities, location, and customer reviews. Similarly, when purchasing products on eBay or Amazon, consumers need to trust that the product description and seller ratings are accurate and reliable.
To determine the reliability of these digital marketplaces, it’s important to research the specific service and read reviews from other users. In general, well-established marketplaces like eBay and Amazon have a proven track record and established user base, while newer or less established services may require more scrutiny. Additionally, it’s important to consider the local Finnish market and whether there are comparable options available locally that offer similar pricing and quality.
Digitalization and Digital gap
Digitalization has undoubtedly brought about significant benefits and opportunities, but it has also created a digital divide or gap between those who have access to digital services and those who do not. The digital gap refers to the gap in access to, use of, and knowledge about digital technologies and services.
For those who do not use virtual services, the risks and challenges can be significant. First, they may be excluded from accessing information and services that are increasingly provided online. For example, online job applications or e-government services may not be accessible to those who are not familiar with digital technology or do not have access to the internet.
Second, those who do not use virtual services may miss out on opportunities to learn and develop digital skills, which are becoming increasingly important in today’s digital economy. This can lead to a lack of competitiveness in the job market and limit opportunities for personal and professional development.
Third, there are risks associated with not using virtual services, such as the potential for fraud, data breaches, and online scams. Those who are not familiar with digital technology may not be equipped to protect themselves from these risks, and could potentially fall victim to them.
Finally, the digital gap can contribute to social exclusion and reinforce existing inequalities. Those who are unable to access digital services may be left behind in terms of education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, which can exacerbate existing inequalities and contribute to social and economic marginalization.
Digital Competence Wheel
Level 4 – Intermediate
Reflection
Although I was already familiar with most of the topics covered in this assignment, I delved deeper into the subjects presented than I typically would. While I was aware that KELA handles benefits, my knowledge was limited to my own experiences with their services. However, through this assignment, I discovered a wealth of information available on KELA’s site, particularly for employers, which I can use more efficiently to gain useful knowledge.
As someone who primarily uses online stores to purchase electronic goods, I have a lot of experience evaluating the risks involved. Scam stories are widespread, and fraudulent stores that mimic legitimate ones are pervasive. Thus, there is a growing demand for the skills necessary to determine the reliability of a store. It is crucial to make more information easily accessible to people about how to identify a scam site. In my experience, looking for site reviews and payment options is the easiest way to determine whether a site is trustworthy. A significant red flag is when a store only accepts credit card payments. Most reputable sites use multiple payment options and have reviews posted on various sites, such as Trustpilot.
Pavel Golovinov 
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