In the present world, electronic citizen (eCitizen) payments are becoming more and more common since they provide efficiency and convenience in a range of transactions. Examining the potential disadvantages is essential, though, particularly with regard to rural people who might not have access to smartphones. This essay will address the difficulties experienced by those living in remote places without phones as well as the drawbacks of extensively depending on eCitizen payments.
The growing digital gap amid urban and rural populations is one of the main issues with eCitizen payments. Rural communities frequently find it difficult to keep up with the rapid technological breakthroughs occurring in urban areas. These residents are at a tremendous disadvantage because they are unable to participate in eCitizen transactions because they do not own cellphones in these places.
In addition to the dearth of smartphones, poor internet connectivity is a common problem in rural areas. Accessing critical services can be difficult for rural residents because of the heavy reliance of eCitizen payments on a dependable and steady internet connection. The differences in digital access and monetary inclusion between urban and rural communities are made worse by this restriction.
The adoption of eCitizen payments necessitates a certain degree of computer competence, which is not shared by all demographic groups. It's possible that people in rural areas lack the knowledge and experience needed to properly use internet platforms. Due to entry obstacles, those without smartphones are unable to participate in eCitizen transactions on their own.
The transition to eCitizen payments can unintentionally exacerbate rural communities' financial isolation. As more services move to digital platforms, people without smartphones run the risk of being shut out of public services, government transactions, and even monetary societies, which will further divide economic prospects between rural and urban areas.
Technology-related privacy and security concerns are frequently acute in rural areas. The security of financial and personal data is a concern with the implementation of eCitizen payments. In the absence of adequate education and awareness, people living in rural areas could be reluctant to use digital payment methods out of concern that their private information would be misused.
In addition to not having smartphones, rural communities could not have the infrastructure needed to properly facilitate eCitizen payments. Rural populations find it difficult to seamlessly integrate digital transactions into their daily lives due to inadequate access to banks, ATMs, and other financial services.
The efficiency and ease of eCitizen payments are indisputable, but it's important to understand the difficulties they provide for rural populations without cellphones. The complicated world of eCitizen payments in rural areas is exacerbated by the digital divide, poor
connectivity, problems with technology literacy, financial exclusion, and privacy concerns. To make sure that people who might already be at a socioeconomic disadvantage are not left behind by the developments in digital transactions, policymakers and stakeholders need to carefully evaluate these challenges. In order to build a society where everyone may benefit from eCitizen payments, regardless of where they live or have access to contemporary technology, inclusivity and technological advancement must coexist.
STORY By NORAH JOSEPH, Second Year student in Chuka University taking Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication
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