Pix Speeds Up the End of Cash in Brazil
In Brazil, the payment system Pix is making cash less common. Pix lets people send and receive money instantly using a phone.
Pix was created to make payments faster and easier. It has become very popular because it is free and simple to use.
Many people now prefer Pix instead of carrying cash. They can pay for things in seconds, without notes or coins.
However, Pix still faces resistance from some groups, especially elderly people. Resistance means they do not want to change their habits.
Older people often say they feel more comfortable using cash. They understand it better and feel it is safer.
Many elderly people are not familiar with digital payments. Digital payments happen through phones or computers, not physical money.
Some older people do not own a smartphone, which is needed to use Pix. Without one, it is very hard to access the system.
There is also a lack of trust in new technology among some older users. They worry about mistakes or losing their money online.
Because of this, cash has not disappeared completely. Many elderly people continue to use it every day for shopping and other needs.
Experts say this shows an important change in society. While younger generations quickly adopt new technology, older generations often need more time and support.
As Pix continues to grow, questions remain about how to help older people join the digital economy without leaving anyone behind.
Vocabulary10 words
- Pix
- a fast payment system in Brazil that uses phones
- cash
- money in notes and coins
- resistance
- not wanting to accept a change
- elderly
- older people, usually over 60
- digital payments
- paying using a phone or computer instead of cash
- smartphone
- a phone that can use internet apps
- trust
- believing something is safe or reliable
- adopt
- to start using something new
- generation
- a group of people born around the same time
- instantly
- immediately, without waiting
Quiz
Answer key
1. Send and receive money instantly by phone 2. They prefer cash and may lack smartphones or trust in technology 3. False
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
In Brazil, the payment system _____ is making cash less common.
Pix lets people send and receive money _____ using a phone.
Many people now prefer Pix instead of carrying _____.
However, Pix still faces _____ from some groups, especially elderly people.
Older people often say they feel more comfortable using _____.
Many elderly people are not familiar with _____ payments.
Some older people do not own a _____, which is needed to use Pix.
There is also a lack of _____ in new technology among some older users.
While younger _____ quickly adopt new technology, older generations often need more time.
As Pix continues to grow, questions remain about helping older people join the digital _____.
Discussion questions
- Do you prefer using cash or digital payments? Why?
- Why might older people find it harder to trust new technology?
- What could be done to help elderly people use systems like Pix more easily?
- Do you think cash will disappear completely in the future? Why or why not?