Digital integration has elevated various service sectors for the better, and while sending a text is irrefutably far more efficient than sending a letter overseas and waiting over a month for a response, certain traditions can stand the test of time, the real question is, what happened to them? An elaborate example would be reading a tangible hard cover book in comparison to e-books or reading online. Several studies have reached the conclusion that reading online yields less comprehension than reading in print; however the ability to offer further reference gives online reading an added advantage. “I enjoy reading books and something about turning a page to find out what’s next is exciting, and reading online and scrolling can get distracting with constant pop up notifications, which is why I have reverted to audio books or tangible hardcover books.” Says Alice Karegeya. Belinda Umutesiwase, a business undergraduate student, finds that while reading electronic notes is more convenient and consumes less time, personal notes are easier to digest because the points of emphasis in one’s notes support a better understanding of the subject matter. “In high school teachers used blackboards to give us notes and we would take personal notes from that when we had tests and exams to prepare for. These days, notes are sent by email and barely explained, which challenges me to put in extra effort to understand the content. The high school format was easier.” Says Umutesiwase. One of the most eminent elements of today’s lifestyle is delivery services and shopping online. Thanks to the multiple scam stories spreading like wildfire, older generations seem to be somewhat appalled by online shopping making it very rare for a Rwandan local in their 50’s, for example, to place an order online. “My niece ordered a watch online that was delivered later than expected, but the package she received was different from what she ordered and paid for. To make matters worse, refunding was too time consuming. Delivery services need to be more competent. I don’t mind ordering from Vuba Vuba on occasion, but I generally prefer to do my shopping in person because I simply can’t trust that my money won’t be wasted if they don’t get my order right,” says Ivan Mugabe, a 48 year old father. One of the most outstanding changes that have come with the digital transition is dating apps. People often used to rely on their families and acquaintances to meet potential partners, but today, the love of your life or the subject of your next cautionary tale is only a couple of clicks away. Online dating platforms have so many options to choose from ranging from what one is looking for, be it a solid relationship or a sexual encounter. A source that prefers to remain anonymous recalls his experience on dating apps as deceitful, citing people that were not truthful with the information they shared and that ruined potential connections before they even started. “I have been on dates with girls that claimed they were in their 20’s only to find out they are underage, and I have noticed that most people, men and women alike, post pictures that are neither recent nor theirs. I have taken a break from dating apps and I think I prefer meeting people more naturally,” he says The long lines at the bank made by people waiting to withdraw or deposit money have significantly reduced thanks to e-banking and mobile apps, and that’s one of the perks of going digital, however a certain bank whose e-banking platforms always crushes might maintain consistent queue’s thanks to faulty systems, but that seems to be a rare occasion in most banks in the city. Gisele Isimbi, a law clerk in Kigali, finds that e-banking has simplified payments and consumed a lot of time specifically because the time that was used to cue in the past can now be allocated to more productive activities. “I rely on e-banking to pay for most of my bills these days, and I am glad I don’t necessarily have to wait in a long line at the bank often, because that would slow down my work,” says Isimbi.
