Artificial intelligence is increasingly used to support or replace human decision-making across many areas of society. From automated recommendations to high-stakes judgments, AI systems now influence outcomes that affect individuals and communities. In IB Digital Society, this shift raises important questions about authority, responsibility, and power. Students are expected to analyze AI not as a neutral assistant, but as a digital system that redistributes decision-making authority.
This article explains how AI and decision-making authority are studied in IB Digital Society and how students should approach this topic in exams and the internal assessment.
What Is Decision-Making Authority in IB Digital Society?
In IB Digital Society, decision-making authority refers to who has the power to make, influence, or enforce decisions that affect people and communities. When AI systems are introduced, authority may shift away from humans toward automated processes.
Decision-making authority can involve:
- Who designs decision rules
- Who controls system outputs
- Who is accountable for outcomes
- Whether decisions can be challenged
Students should analyze how AI redistributes authority rather than assuming humans remain fully in control.
How AI Systems Make Decisions
AI systems make decisions by analyzing data and applying algorithms to produce predictions, classifications, or recommendations. These outputs may guide or replace human judgment.
Key features include:
- Data-driven pattern recognition
- Automation of repetitive decisions
- Standardization of outcomes
IB Digital Society students should focus on how decisions are made and used, not on technical programming details.
