Digital Society Whole Syllabus Flashcards (not in order)

What is binary?

A system used to convert logical or verbal statements into mathematical representations using only 0s and 1s.

Who invented the modern binary number system?

Gottfried Leibniz invented the modern binary number system.

How are different types of data encoded digitally?

• Text → TXT, CSV | • Audio → MP3, WAV, AAC | • Video → MPEG-4, AVI | • Images → JPEG, PNG, GIF, RAW

Why do data and file formats require specific programs?

Because only compatible software can correctly create, store, and access those formats.

How is digital data represented?

Through strings of 1s and 0s, which can represent different types of information.

What is steganography?

The practice of hiding secret text within image files. | It can be used to send messages but does not guarantee full security.

What is encryption?

A method of securing data by converting it into a code that can only be deciphered using a specific key or password.

What is personal data?

Information relating to an identified or identifiable individual, such as their name, address, or contact details.

What is sensitive personal data?

Personal data that is sensitive in nature and can be used to discriminate against an individual, such as: | • Medical history | • Political views | • Religious beliefs

What are cookies?

Small files that store an individual’s preferences and browsing history, used by websites to personalise user experience.

What is a digital footprint?

The trail of data left behind by an individual when interacting with the digital world, including online activities and transactions.

What is the difference between active and passive digital footprint?

• Active: intentionally created by the individual (e.g. posts, comments) | • Passive: created without direct intent (e.g. tracking, cookies)

Give two negative aspects of a digital footprint.

• Privacy concerns | • Reputational damage | • Impact on employment opportunities

What is the digital divide?

The gap between those who have access to digital technology and those who do not.

What are the main causes of the digital divide?

• Lack of infrastructure | • Lack of equipment | • Low digital literacy | • Low income | • Language barriers

What is digital literacy?

An individual’s ability to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information using digital technologies.

What is the difference between a digital native and a digital migrant?

• Digital native: grew up using digital technology | • Digital migrant: had to adapt to digital technologies later in life

What does ISP stand for?

Internet Service Provider — a company that provides internet access to users.

What is latency?

The time delay between when a data packet is sent and when it is received, usually measured in milliseconds.

What is TCP/IP?

A set of protocols that enables communication and data transfer across the internet.

Why are submarine fibre-optic cables important?

They are critical to internet infrastructure. Damage can cause: | • Disruption of internet connectivity | • Economic losses | • Increased risk of cyber attacks

What is redundancy?

The practice of having multiple systems or components in place so that if one fails, others can take over.

What are filter bubbles?

A situation where algorithms present information based on previous user data, limiting exposure to diverse perspectives.

What is an echo chamber?

An environment where information, ideas, or beliefs are repeatedly reinforced, reducing exposure to opposing viewpoints.

What is digital preservation?

The process of storing and maintaining digital data so it remains accessible over time, despite technological change.

Give two methods of digital preservation.

• Backing up data to external storage | • Using cloud storage | • Converting data into newer formats

One advantage and one disadvantage of digital museums.

✔️ Increased accessibility and remote access | ❌ Limited sensory experience compared to physical museums

What is the Internet of Things (IoT)?

A network of physical devices connected to the internet that collect and exchange data using sensors and software.

What is the difference between incremental change and radical change?

• Incremental change: gradual evolution or adaptation | • Radical change: disruptive, transformational change

What does the IB expect in a high-scoring Digital Society HL answer?

• Clear definition | • Relevant example | • Social impact | • Ethical considerations | • Critical evaluation

Which technologies are used in smart farming?

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) | • Automation | • Internet of Things (IoT)

Give two advantages of smart farming.

• Solves labour shortages | • Increases efficiency

Give two disadvantages of smart farming.

• High initial cost | • Potential reduction in product quality

How does IoT help farmers?

IoT sensors provide real-time data, helping farmers make informed decisions and improve efficiency and effectiveness.

What is IoT in agriculture?

The use of IoT technologies to improve agricultural practices and increase food security.

Give examples of IoT use in agriculture.

• Sensors | • Blockchain tracking | • Smart packaging | Used to monitor crops, livestock, and supply chains.

How do IoT sensors work?

They convert analogue data into digital data using an ADC converter, then send it to a microprocessor for analysis.

List four benefits of IoT in agriculture.

• Increased efficiency and productivity | • Improved crop yields and quality | • Reduced waste and costs | • Enhanced food security

What is cloud computing?

A model that allows on-demand network access to shared computing resources, enabling data to be stored, managed, and processed online via the internet.

List four characteristics of cloud computing.

• On-demand service | • Network access | • Shared resources | • Scalability

Give four benefits of cloud computing.

• Increased flexibility | • Reduced costs | • Improved scalability | • Enhanced security (reduced risk of data loss or theft)

What is data integrity?

The accuracy, completeness, and consistency of data. It ensures data is correct, reliable, and trustworthy.

What is reliability?

The ability of a system to perform its intended function without failure.

What is security (in computing)?

Protection of a system from unauthorised access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction.

What is SaaS?

Software as a Service is a way of delivering software over the internet on a subscription basis, without needing to install it on a PC.

List key characteristics of SaaS.

• Platform-independent | • No need to install software | • Single software instance for multiple users | • Computing resources managed by the vendor

Give four benefits of SaaS.

• Universally accessible | • Vendor-managed | • Cost-effective | • Scalable

Give three drawbacks of SaaS.

• Portability and browser compatibility issues | • Dependence on internet performance | • Compliance and regulatory restrictions

Give examples of SaaS.

• Email clients (e.g. Gmail) | • Productivity apps (e.g. Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud) | • Music streaming services

What architecture do SaaS applications typically use?

A multi-tenant architecture, where multiple users access the same pool of resources.

What is digital expression?

The way individuals express themselves online, including thoughts, opinions, and ideas.

What is incremental change?

Small, gradual changes that occur over time.

What is radical change?

Significant, sudden, and transformative changes.

Types of incremental change.

• Evolutionary: gradual change | • Revolutionary: sudden, dramatic change

Types of radical change.

• Transformational: changes how something is done or perceived | • Disruptive: disrupts the status quo and creates new opportunities

What is identity?

The characteristics, traits, and attributes that define an individual or group.

What is digital identity?

An individual’s or group’s online presence and digital footprint.

What is GDPR?

The General Data Protection Regulation is a set of EU regulations governing the collection, storage, and use of personal data.

Give examples of biometric data.

• Fingerprints | • Iris scans | • Facial recognition | • Voice recognition | • Gait (a person’s way of walking)

List key principles of GDPR.

• Transparency | • Consent | • Data minimisation | • Accuracy | • Storage limitation | • Security | • Accountability

What is the Right to Access?

Individuals can access their personal data and information about how it is used.

What is the Right to be Forgotten?

Individuals can request that their personal data be erased.

What is data portability?

The right to transfer personal data from one organisation to another.

What is a data breach?

A security incident resulting in unauthorised disclosure of personal data.

What is privacy?

The ability to control your own personal data.

Difference between opt-in and opt-out.

• Opt-in: user must explicitly agree to data collection | • Opt-out: data is collected by default unless the user refuses

What is censorship?

The suppression or banning of certain content, speech, or information.

What is surveillance?

The monitoring of individuals with or without their knowledge by governments, law enforcement, or private groups.

Give two positive effects of social media.

• Raises awareness of social issues | • Connects people with similar interests | • Promotes education and learning

Give three negative effects of social media.

• Spread of misinformation | • Manipulation of thoughts and feelings | • Promotion of consumerism and materialism

What is parasocial influence?

A one-sided emotional connection between a public figure and their audience.

What is social media manipulation?

The use of social media platforms to influence people’s thoughts, feelings, or behaviours.

What is data?

Raw, unorganised facts and figures, such as numbers, letters, images, or characters.

What is information?

Processed and organised data that provides meaning and context.

What is knowledge?

Meaning derived from information that can be applied to achieve goals.

What is wisdom?

The application of knowledge.

What is data mining?

The process of finding patterns, correlations, and anomalies in large datasets.

What is data matching?

Comparing different datasets to find data about the same entity.

What is the data life cycle?

• Creation | • Storage | • Usage | • Preservation | • Destruction

Difference between primary and secondary data.

• Primary: collected first-hand for a specific purpose | • Secondary: collected previously for a different purpose

What is a relational database?

A database containing more than one table, organised into rows (records) and columns (fields).

What is data visualisation?

The process of converting large datasets into charts, graphs, or visual representations.

What are infographics?

Visual representations combining images, charts, and text to make information easy to understand.

What is encryption?

Converting readable data into unreadable characters to prevent unauthorised access.

Difference between symmetric and asymmetric encryption.

• Symmetric: same key to encrypt and decrypt | • Asymmetric: public key encrypts, private key decrypts

What are SSL and TLS?

Security protocols that use encryption to protect communication between a browser and a server.

What is blockchain?

A distributed digital ledger of transactions shared across a network of computers.

Give real-world uses of blockchain.

• Digital identity | • Healthcare records | • Secure digital voting | • Government tracking systems

What is Big Data?

A term used to describe very large volumes of data, which may be structured or unstructured.

What is meant by Volume in Big Data?

The extremely large amounts of data created every day from many sources, such as social media or IoT networks.

What is Velocity in Big Data?

The speed at which data is generated, collected, and analysed.

What is Variety in Big Data?

The wide range of data types and formats, such as text, images, videos, PDFs, and social media posts.

What is Veracity in Big Data?

The accuracy and quality of the data being collected.

What does real-time data mean?

Data that is generated and processed live, as events happen.

What ethical issue must organisations consider during data collection?

Whether the data has been collected ethically, complies with data protection laws, and avoids biased datasets.

What is data privacy?

The ability of individuals to control their personal information.

What is data reliability?

Whether data is complete and accurate.

What is data integrity?

The trustworthiness of data and whether it has been altered or compromised.

What does system reliability mean?

How well a computer system performs its intended function without failure.

Give examples of problems that lead to unreliable data.

• Biased data selection | • Viruses and malware | • Poor data quality | • Outdated data | • Human error during manual data entry