In the opinion piece from El País, Marc Mestre Solé addresses the increasing dependency on digital technology in daily life, emphasizing how in 2026, the use of smartphones has become an unchallenged requirement for full citizenship. He highlights the shift from digital tools being helpful to becoming barriers, especially for those who did not grow up with technology. This mandatory digital engagement raises concerns about social inclusion and accessibility, insisting that such a reliance can lead to the marginalization of entire generations who prioritize human interaction over digital efficiency.

The author reflects on the implications of this digital transformation, where basic tasks require tech-savviness that not everyone possesses. The pressure to adapt to an all-digital society overlooks the needs of older individuals and those who prefer traditional means of communication and service. Mestre Solé critiques the absence of alternative options, asserting that society is at risk of losing its compassionate and inclusive nature amidst the cold efficiency of algorithms.

Ultimately, the piece calls for a consideration of human values in the face of rapid technological change, urging for a balance between efficiency and empathy. Mestre Solé's perspective sheds light on broader societal challenges, including how we treat vulnerable populations in an increasingly digitized world and the fundamental question of what it means to belong in a society that seems to prioritize algorithms over human connections.