Each stage of world development is described by its own peculiarities and trends, which are reflected in the content of categories that are specific for this stage of world development. Among the most important categories which characterize the modern new stage of the world community development are the categories "digitalization" and "digital economy". The essence and content of these categories disclosed in the article allows to determine the directions of effective digitalization impact on the economy and society, and also to describe the specifics of the current stage of effective development of the world community.