IB Digital Society P-R

Paywall

A method of restricting access to digital content unless a subscription is paid.

Pedagogy

An approach to teaching.

Peer-to-peer network (P2P)

A decentralised network in which each computer is equally responsible for storing and sharing data.

Personal area network (PAN)

The smallest type of network, consisting of the connected devices that are in close proximity to an individual.

Personal computer (PC)

A general purpose computer designed for individual use.

Phishing

A type of social engineering that involves sending fraudulent messages designed to trick users into revealing sensitive information.

Planned obsolescence

The development of products with intentionally short lifespans so that companies can get repeat sales as devices are replaced or upgraded.

Pollution

The introduction of substances or energy into the natural environment that cause a negative impact.

Popular culture

The music, dances, movies, performances, art and other forms of expressive media enjoyed by a society.

Predictive policing

The use of algorithms in an attempt to forecast criminal activities.

Primary data

Original data collected for the first time for a specific purpose.

Primary research

First-hand research in which you collect original data.

Prioritisation algorithm

A sorting algorithm used to prioritize tasks.

Privacy

The ability of individuals and groups to determine for themselves when, how and to what extent information about themselves is shared with others.

Professional service robot

Semi-autonomous or fully autonomous robots developed to assist humans in commercial settings.

Propaganda

Biased or one-sided information.

Proprietary software

Is often downloaded after paying for a license or subscription. In return for payment, users can expect updates and help from the company. Proprietary software is copyrighted which denies users access to the source code (so that it cannot be modified) and restricts the sharing of the software.

Proxy discrimination

Discrimination that occurs due to correlations to indicators such as race, disabilities or socio- economic status.

Proxy server

Computer system that acts as an intermediary between the client on the network and the internet, providing an additional layer of security.

Psychographic analysis

An analysis of people based on their activities, interests and opinions.

Psychometric survey

A survey designed to measure an individual's mental capabilities and behavioural style.

Qualitative

Descriptive, non-numerical data.

Quantitative

Data that can be measured and converted into numbers.

Quantum computing

The technology that uses quantum mechanics to create powerful quantum hardware which can solve complex problems faster than existing supercomputers.

Race

A social construct based on people's physical traits and characteristics.

Radicalisation

The use of the internet to share ideas and resources that are radically different from those in mainstream society.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

Short-term memory where data is stored temporarily while it is being processed or viewed on screen.

Ranking system

The assignment of a number or short description to data to indicate first to the last in a data set.

Ransomware

Malware that infects a computer and effectively locks the user out of their own device and demands a payment to unlock it.

Real-time

Happening now or live.

Recidivism

The tendency to reoffend.

Recycle

The process of converting waste into reusable materials.

Relational database

A database that has more than one table.

Remote learning

Education that occurs over a network connection, for example, using video-conferencing software.

Remote working

Conducting business and completing tasks from anywhere that employees are able to connect to the essential networks from, for example, working from home. Research and development (R&D): Work on innovating, improving and introducing new services or products.

Reshoring

The practice of bringing previously outsourced jobs back from overseas, also called 'inshoring'.

Responsibility

A person is responsible for a decision that needs to be made and its implementation. Responsibility is a concept that is focused on future items that need to happen.

Rite of passage

A ceremony or tradition that marks when an individual leaves one group and enters another, for example a birth, marriage or death.

Robot

A programmable machine that can complete a set task with little or no human intervention.

Robotic surgery

Surgery carried out using robotic systems, for example mechanical arms controlled by a surgeon.

Router

A networking technology that transfers data from one network to another by the most efficient route available.