- The Internet has democratized access to knowledge, allowing anyone to learn and grow. In reality, even though we are at the end of 2024, internet access is still not available to everyone.
Digital platforms have largely facilitated the emergence of new business models and created jobs, and digital processes can simplify bureaucracy and improve public services.
However, digitization can accentuate a variety of inequalities that already exist. As i stated at the beginning of this article, not all citizens have access to the technology, infrastructure and digital skills needed to reap the benefits of digitization. This leads to an increase in social and economic inequalities.
The tech giants have become increasingly powerful, controlling information flows and national economies. It is observable that the algorithms used in digital systems can perpetuate and amplify the existing biases in society - simply, certain social groups experience various discriminations, offering that perhaps undesirable inequality effect in the first phase.
Take for example that COVID-19 pandemic that we all experienced in one way or another - it highlighted even more the importance of digital technology in our daily lives. At the same time, it has widened digital inequalities as many activities such as education, work and social interactions have moved online.
In reality there are quite a few global efforts to reduce digital inequalities... they are diverse and appear to be ambitious. But, due to the corruption of those who represent the political classes, things evolve at a slow and arduous pace - the funds will eventually end up being diverted. The money allocated for digitization projects ends up being diverted to other purposes, thus reducing investments in infrastructure and digital education programs.
Corrupt politicians only vote to favor certain companies or interest groups, at the expense of the public interest, thus influencing the allocation of resources and the implementation of projects.... They will mostly end up favoring certain companies or interest groups, at the expense of optimal solutions from the point of view from a social point of view.
That is why they will use any excuse and means to hide their thefts and misappropriations of those funds. Corrupt politicians will appeal to crypto market sentiments to get elected and installed in key positions that benefit them. Yep, we're being carried away with sugar (it's an old Romanian saying that exposes us to the fact that we kind of like to be lied to) - the events will repeat themselves but at a completely different level. The question would be.... is this what we are used to!!?? Or do we really not care??
So, somewhere there is a huge problem that has become very persistent. Look for example...... Technologies like blockchain are often perceived as very complex, which gives the corrupt some room to hide illegal activities behind technical jargon. Terms like "crypto" or "blockchain" are associated with innovation and the future, which gives them a special charm in the eyes of the electorate, especially the young.... Especially in the eyes of the young electorate. Corrupt politicians exploit this association only to improve their image.
Politicians make unrealistic crypto-related promises, such as the rapid adoption of a national digital currency or the creation of special economic zones based on cryptocurrencies. Simply by approaching the topic of cryptocurrency in a simplistic and enthusiastic way, politicians can divert attention from the real problems of society and their own failures - this politicized ploy in my view, will ultimately produce the decline of a desired society in the first phase to be civilized.
Many may choose to ignore or accept the existing situation....each of us has our own perception of reality and events. That is - corruption is a major barrier, and when money is involved, corruption can infest any system, and projects that should benefit the entire society can be diverted for personal gain.