Referencing and academic honesty are essential components of success in IB Digital Society, particularly in the internal assessment (IA). While Digital Society does not assess students on their ability to memorize facts, it does require responsible use of information and clear acknowledgment of sources. Poor referencing or unclear attribution can undermine otherwise strong analysis and may lead to academic honesty concerns.
This article explains how referencing and academic honesty apply in IB Digital Society and what students should do to meet IB expectations.
Why Academic Honesty Matters in Digital Society
IB Digital Society focuses on critical thinking and ethical engagement with digital systems. Academic honesty aligns directly with these values.
Academic honesty matters because it:
- Demonstrates intellectual integrity
- Builds trust in student work
- Reflects ethical responsibility
- Supports fair assessment
The IB treats academic honesty seriously, and breaches can have significant consequences.
What Counts as Academic Dishonesty?
Academic dishonesty includes any action that misrepresents a student’s work as their own.
This may include:
- Copying text without citation
- Paraphrasing too closely to a source
- Submitting work written by someone else
- Using AI-generated content without acknowledgment
In Digital Society, dishonesty can occur even when intent is unclear, so care is essential.
Understanding Referencing in IB Digital Society
Referencing is the practice of acknowledging where ideas, information, or examples come from. In IB Digital Society, referencing supports transparency rather than technical perfection.
Students are expected to:
