Refusing to Be Left Behind: Why Digital Literacy Is Mandatory in the Tech Era
Source: https://studyinca.ac.id/
In the midst of rapid civilization advancement, the excuse “I’m not a tech person” is no longer acceptable. In this era, that statement sounds more like a declaration of defeat than a justification. Our professional and social landscapes are shifting rapidly; what was relevant five years ago may be obsolete today. Understanding technology and the internet is no longer just about acquiring technical skills— it is a survival strategy to maintain our professional value.
The Expensive Price of Ignorance
Why must we keep learning? Because in the digital age, ignorance often leads to embarrassing blunders or inefficient decisions.
We can see this in the big picture. Imagine a government authority noticing a road used for illegal shipments. Instead of a targeted solution, they decide to blockade the entire road to stop the illegal goods. Or, when the government considers the decision to block a network service to stop online gambling. Their intention is to solve a problem, but due to a lack of insight, they cause total systemic paralysis. This is what happens when we act without understanding the context.
On a personal level, we risk similar mistakes if we turn a blind eye to technology. We might reject AI out of fear of being replaced, ignoring the fact that it could cut our workload in half. Or we might shun cloud storage because we misunderstand its security, only to lose critical data when a laptop fails. Ignorance forces us to take the long, exhausting route while others speed ahead.
Technology as a Catalyst for Potential
Self-development requires us to embrace the discomfort of learning new things. There are two fundamental reasons why this is crucial:
- Building an Analytical Mindset: Learning technology trains us to think logically and systematically. We understand cause and effect. We become problem solvers who address root causes rather than reacting blindly. Digitally literate people tend to be calmer and more strategic because they understand both the problem and the tools available to solve it.
- Time Efficiency: The essence of technology is to simplify human affairs. By mastering current digital tools, we aren’t turning into robots; we are “buying time.” Hours previously spent on repetitive tasks can now be allocated to meaningful work: thinking creatively, creating, or enjoying quality rest.
In conclusion, do not let yourself be left behind. Learning technology doesn’t mean you must become a programmer; it means acquiring the skills necessary to adapt and thrive in this environment.
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Writer: Luthfi Indra Pratisto/Informatic Engineering‘22
Editor: Madina Siti Nur ‘Aisyah/Public Health‘23
