Educerie · IB Diploma · Digital Society

Topic 1 — Topic test

Paper 1 style · 20 marks · 30 minutes

Answer all questions. Use real, named examples wherever possible.

1. (a) Define the concept of identity as used in digital society. [2]

(b) Explain how a profiling system can impose an identity on a person without their knowledge. [3]

2. Explain how the concept of power applies to the ranking algorithms used by social media platforms. [4]

3. Explain how bias can arise in an automated recruitment system. [4]

4. (a) Identify two values that come into conflict when facial recognition is used in public spaces. [2]

(b) Evaluate the effectiveness of consent as a means of protecting individuals' data. [5]

Total: 20 marks

Command terms in this test. Question 4(b) says evaluate, so both what consent achieves and where it fails must appear, followed by a judgement. Question 4(a) says identify — the two values alone, no explanation needed. Questions 1(b), 2 and 3 say explain, so the mechanism is required, not a description of the technology.

Educerie · original questions written against the published IB syllabus structure for Digital Society Topic 1, first assessment 2024. Last reviewed 5 September 2026.