Change is a core concept in IB Digital Society and one that appears frequently in both exams and the internal assessment. Despite its importance, many students treat change as something obvious or automatic, assuming that any digital system simply “causes change.” In IB Digital Society, this is not enough. Students are expected to analyse how, why, and to what extent digital systems produce change, and whether that change is justified or problematic.
This article explains how the concept of change should be analysed in IB Digital Society and how students can apply it effectively to improve marks.
What Change Means in IB Digital Society
In IB Digital Society, change refers to transformation over time in behaviours, structures, relationships, or values that occurs as a result of digital systems.
Change may involve:
- Shifts in how people act or interact
- Alterations to social or economic structures
- New expectations or norms
- Redistribution of power or responsibility
Change is not assumed — it must be demonstrated and explained.
Change Is System-Driven, Not Inevitable
A common mistake is treating change as an unavoidable consequence of technology.
Strong analysis recognises that:
- Change results from specific design choices
- Not all systems produce the same change
- Change can be shaped, limited, or resisted
Students should analyse why a system causes change rather than assuming that digitalisation automatically transforms society.
Identifying What Has Changed
Effective analysis begins by clearly identifying what has changed.
Students should ask:
