Practice IB Digital Society (DS) Topic 2.5 Space with authentic exam-style questions for both SL and HL students. This question bank focuses on the exact syllabus content for 2.5 Space and mirrors Paper 1, 2, 3 style where relevant.
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Source A
Source B (excerpt from NorthQuay Logistics website)
NorthQuay Logistics deployed WorkSight to standardize performance management across its warehouses and delivery fleet. In a staff email, leadership said WorkSight would “increase fairness by using consistent metrics” and “help identify training needs early.” The email also stated that monitoring would “reduce safety incidents by flagging fatigue and distraction” and “protect customers through stronger accountability.” Managers were encouraged to use the dashboard for coaching conversations and to document repeated low scores. Workers were told they could view their status in the WorkSight app, but that some data (such as comparison rankings and screenshot logs) would remain manager-only “to prevent gaming the system.” The company said data would not be sold, but it could be shared with contracted HR services for auditing and dispute resolution.
Source C (excerpt from WorkSight stats)
After WorkSight, recorded coaching meetings increased by 38%; written warnings increased by 16%.
61% of workers report checking their score multiple times per shift; 44% say it changes how often they take breaks.
Safety reports: minor incidents decreased by 9%, but near-miss reports decreased by 21% (workers cite “fear of being flagged”).
Turnover rose from 19% to 27% in monitored roles; exit interviews frequently mention “constant surveillance” and “no context.”
Managers report faster dispute handling, but workers report more account lockouts after automated “anomalous activity” flags.
Source D (commentary on WorkSight)
WorkSight is more than just a tool. It is a power arrangement disguised as “fairness.” NorthQuay says the metrics are consistent, but consistency is not the same as justice. When your job becomes a stream of captured signals (pings, screenshots, time stamps), management gains the authority to define what counts as “work” and what counts as “waste.” Meanwhile, workers get a simplified score band and motivational messages, not the full story of how they’re judged. That asymmetry matters. It makes contesting decisions harder and discipline easier. Even the language of “coaching” is slippery: the system produces more warnings, more pressure, and fewer moments where human context can override the dashboard. If safety is truly the goal, why do near-miss reports fall? People stop reporting when reporting feels risky. Power in a digital society often works like this: not by loud commands, but by quiet measurement that changes behaviour. The workplace becomes a monitored space where compliance is built into the interface.
Identify two types of worker data that WorkSight collects, as shown in Source A.
Explain how NorthQuay’s stated goals in Source B could increase managerial power over workers.
Compare and contrast how Source C and Source D portray the consequences of WorkSight for workers.
Discuss whether systems like WorkSight mainly improve accountability or mainly reinforce unequal power in workplaces. With reference to all the sources (A–D) and your own knowledge of the Digital Society course, consider structural power, information asymmetry, consent, and the potential for intended and unintended consequences.
Cloud networks allow for data storage and access over the internet, making data accessible from anywhere. This accessibility supports remote work, file sharing, and collaboration but also raises concerns about data security and control over personal information.
Evaluate the impact of cloud networks on data accessibility, considering the benefits for remote work and the potential security risks.
Drones are widely used for surveillance in law enforcement and border control. While they enhance monitoring capabilities and can improve public safety, drones also raise concerns about privacy, consent, and the potential misuse of surveillance technology in public and private spaces.
Discuss the impact of drone technology on public surveillance and privacy, considering both the benefits for security and the ethical implications for individual privacy rights.
Firewalls are critical for network security, acting as barriers between internal networks and external threats. They control incoming and outgoing traffic, protecting against unauthorized access and cyber attacks. However, configuring firewalls effectively can be challenging, especially in large organizations.
Evaluate the role of firewalls in securing organizational networks, considering their effectiveness and potential challenges in implementation.
Malicious software (malware) is a significant threat to users of personal devices, as it can steal sensitive information, disrupt services, or even cause financial losses. With increased connectivity, devices are more vulnerable to these attacks, raising ethical questions about responsibility in cybersecurity.
Evaluate the ethical responsibilities of software developers and users in preventing the spread of malicious software on personal devices.