Benefits, risks and problems of digitalization of society:general theoretical aspect
Authors: Khaustova M. 
Published: November 2023

The article analyzes the essence of digitization. It was determined that the main goal of digitization is to achieve the digital transformation of already existing and the creation of new sectors of the economy, as well as the transformation of spheres of life into new, more efficient and modern ones. Digitization is a recognized mechanism of economic growth due to the ability of technology to positively influence the efficiency, effectiveness, cost and quality of economic, public and personal activities. Its further dissemination and implementation is possible when ideas, actions, initiatives and programs related to digitization are integrated into national, regional, industry strategies and development programs. The direction of the influence of the digitization process on the country's life activities is determined. Digitization is one of the leading socio-economic trends of our time. Like any complex phenomenon, it has many facets of its manifestation. Let's name only two key ones. One of them is related to the transition of technical and economic systems from analog to digital methods of recording and broadcasting information. The second involves a phase transition to a new model of the organization of economic systems, which can tentatively be called the „digital economy". The characteristic features of the modern era - the era of digitalization - are the exponential growth of the use of intelligent devices, the speed of the Internet and the extent of its penetration into the economic and social life of society. The positive impact of digitization on social relations, the standard of living of citizens, including an increase in labor productivity, an increase in the competitiveness of enterprises, a reduction in production costs, the creation of new jobs, etc., is outlined. Risks and negative elements in the process of further implementation of digitalization in all spheres of society are highlighted, including unauthorized access to information and other threats to cyber security; mass unemployment; digital inequality. Possible regulatory measures that should be taken at the state level and help to minimize the systemic risk of digital transformation are formulated, among them are the establishment of clear rules and regulations on online content, privacy and data use, support of competition that will help stimulate investment and innovation in digital infrastructure and activities, primarily in the field of domestic digital solutions, as well as the cessation of attempts to establish foreign control in the Ukrainian segments of the digital economy and the promotion of joint investment through public-private partnerships, etc. It is emphasized that the identification of possible risks and negative consequences for the life process of society is important as for strategic forecasting and long-term planning. the impact of digitization on the further development of society is ambiguous and contradictory, as evidenced by the large number of threats it carries. It was concluded that in order to obtain positive features from the spread of digitalization, a special approach to the implementation of digital technologies in all spheres is necessary, taking into account the peculiarities of the processes taking place and the real state and peculiarities of development (educational, economic, political, social, national, cultural, etc. .) of all countries of the world, as well as mutually beneficial cooperation of countries in the spread and uniform implementation of digital technologies and the implementation of control over these processes.