Digitization in Germany: Citizens 'Citizens' Opportunities and Fears

Digitization in Germany: Citizens 'Citizens' Opportunities and Fears

Rostock, Deutschland - The digital world has fundamentally changed the way of life of the Germans, and this is clearly shown in the current study on the digital participation, which is published every year on the occasion of the digital day. According to the initiative "Digital für Alle" and the Rathaus Rostock , 1,004 citizens from the age of 16 were interviewed. A remarkable finding: 86 percent of the respondents are positive about digitization, regardless of their age.

It becomes particularly clear that digital technologies are relieving in everyday life for many. 85 percent of the participants stated that these technologies make their lives easier. However, digitization is not without challenges. 40 percent of Germans often feel overwhelmed by digital technologies. An important point that many parts: 44 percent fear that they cannot keep up with technical development.

The concerns of the Germans

The fear of digital split is real. According to the study, 63 percent see Germany as "digitally split". The trend has increased further in recent years; In 2022, this value was still 58 percent. The perception of the pace of digitization also shows different views: 59 percent find it too slow, while 22 percent find it too fast. This view is particularly pronounced by the over 75-year-olds, of whom almost half feel the pace as too fast.

not only the speed of digitization is worried. The handling of artificial intelligence (AI) also raises questions. 75 percent of the respondents see AI as an opportunity for society, but 24 percent see a threat in it. In addition, 61 percent would like a total social discussion about the effects of AI.

growing interest in digitization

A ray of hope in the middle of these concerns is the growing interest in digital skills. Almost half of the Germans (49 percent) want to learn more about artificial intelligence. This underlines the desire to actively and inform the digital development. Nevertheless, there are numerous barriers: 70 percent of people are concerned about the safety of their data, which prevents them from using digital devices. A lack of technical knowledge is also a reason for 34 percent to do without digital technologies.

The way to digital participation

The nationwide digital day will take place on June 7, 2024 to promote digital participation. With around 2,000 promotions that include workshops, seminars and dialogues, the "Digital for everyone" initiative would like to strengthen the awareness of digital skills and encourage society to deal with the new technologies. Federal Digital Minister Dr. Volker Wissing will open the event and keep the impulse department to advance the commitment to the digital future.

As part of the EU strategy for digital transformation, our European area is also increasingly focusing on the use of data and AI. According to a contribution of the IWD , the EU aims to take three quarters of companies in cloud computing and the use of big data by 2030. A balance between the promotion of innovations and excessive regulation is sought to ensure competitiveness in the international market.

One thing is clear: the digital transformation brings with it both opportunities and challenges. The key is to sensitize society to these developments and to train accordingly so that we can all benefit from the advantages of digitization.