DIGITAL SOCIETY

REMEDIAL
28 FEBRUARY 2023

Read the sources carefully and answer all the questions that follow.

Source A Adapted from article “Mobile vs. Desktop Usage in 2020”, by Perficient, a
global digital consultancy in the U.S., Latin America, and India. (March
23, 2021)

Source B Adapted from article “Mobile vs Desktop Usage Statistics for 2023”
published in Research.com (December 20, 2022)

With each passing year, the technology landscape keeps changing, providing more ways for people to
access the Internet. According to the latest data from Internet World Stats, there are now 4.53 billion
people (about 58.8% of the world’s population) who have access to online web portals (“World
internet users,” n.d.).

Thanks to the development of newer and more advanced devices, desktop computers are now not the
only way for people to access the World Wide Web. Today, there is an increasing number of people
turning to mobile devices for web browsing, ecommerce transactions, and other online-related
activities. The use of learning management software and the implementation of mobile learning are
also becoming popular among global corporations, according to the latest video training statistics.
 Source C Adapted from “Mobile Application and Its Global Impact” published in
International Journal of Engineering & Technology IJET-IJENS, (2010)

Mobile applications have had a significant impact on society, offering quick communication and
saving time, increasing productivity, improving IT infrastructure in developing countries, and creating
job opportunities. Moreover, using mobile applications for simple tasks can reduce power
consumption and costs. Mobile applications also provide entertainment to users. However, there are
some negative effects of mobile applications on society, such as wasting time on social media and
internet games, disturbing others in public places, and negative effects on health due to excessive
mobile phone usage.

Teenagers are at risk when using social media and other internet-based applications. The frequent use
of mobile phones can cause disturbances for others, leading to a loss of productivity. Moreover,
excessive mobile phone use can be harmful to health. Therefore, it is essential to use mobile
applications ethically and balance their usage to achieve their benefits while avoiding negative effects.

Source D Adapted from “Impact of Smartphone’s on Society” published in European

Journal of Scientific Research (March 2013)

Smartphones have had a significant impact on various aspects of human life, including business,
education, health, psychology, and social life. The positive impact of smartphones in the business
sector includes new opportunities for mobile application development and more effective advertising.
However, the negative impact includes a decline in the PC market and the potential for addiction to
smartphones. In education, smartphones provide an alternative means of delivering education services
and access to a massive amount of educational resources. Still, they can also be a source of distraction
for students.

The use of smartphones in healthcare has positive impacts such as enabling healthcare workers to
access specific information in their areas of expertise and more than 10 million users in the USA using
their smartphones to search for health information and facilities. However, excessive smartphone use
can lead to patients avoiding personal interactions with doctors and risks of addiction, poor eyesight,
and a lack of social interaction for children. In terms of psychology, smartphones can reduce stress,
strengthen empathic tendencies and build social bonds. However, they can also lead to addiction, alter
the brain's perception of the device, and cause anxiety and withdrawal symptoms.

Smartphones have both positive and negative impacts on social life. On the positive side, they can
assist people with disabilities and elderly individuals in living more independently and allow for
constant communication and real-time information sharing. On the negative side, smartphone
addiction can interfere with sleep and cause issues with work-family balance, leading to increased
stress. Additionally, cybersecurity concerns and cyberbullying are major issues that have been
exacerbated by smartphones' constant connection to the internet.

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Overall, while smartphones have brought many positive changes to human life, their negative impact
on various aspects of human life must also be considered. It is essential to use smartphones wisely and
find a balance between the benefits and the negative impacts they bring.
Turn over
1. With reference to Source A, outline two trends in the use of desktop, mobile and tablet devices
when used to access the internet. [2]
“Outline” is a command term that requires a brief account or summary. There are many
possible correct responses, including the following:
- 68.1% of all website visits in 2020 came from mobile devices—an increase from 63.3%
in 2019, desktops drove 28.9% of visits in 2020, while 3% of visitors came from tablets
- Total aggregate time on site for desktop exceeds mobile devices- larger screens and
keyboards offer greater convenience when conducting in-depth research, pursuing
entertainment, and for many other activities compared to mobile devices
- higher bounce rates on mobile devices.

The list above is not exhaustive. Candidates are expected to providerelevant and accurate
responses, but may choose a different word, example and/or approach in their response. Award
[1] for each correct response, up to a maximum of [2].

2. With reference to Source B and one other real-world example you have studied, explain why
many users prefer to use mobile devices to access the Internet? [4]
“Explain” is a command term that requires a detailed account including reasons or causes.
Answers may include, but are not limited to:
- Many users prefer mobile devices to access the Internet because of their convenience,
portability, and accessibility.
- Mobile devices are lightweight, compact, and can be easily carried around, allowing
users to access the Internet wherever they are, at any time.
- Mobile devices are highly accessible, as they can be easily operated with just a few taps
and swipes, offering touch-based interfaces that are more intuitive and user-friendly.
- Mobile devices make it easier for users to browse the web, shop online, and engage with
social media and other online platforms.
- Mobile banking has become increasingly popular among younger generations, who are
more likely to use mobile devices as their primary means of accessing the Internet.
- The rise of mobile banking allows users to manage their finances, transfer money, and
pay bills from their mobile devices, making it easier and more convenient to conduct
financial transactions on the go.

The lists above are not exhaustive. Other relevant points not listed can also be rewarded.
Candidates are not expected to make four separate points in order to achieve full marks. For each
valid point a maximum of [2] may be awarded, up to a total of [4]. If there is no reference to
another example studied, award a maximum of [3].

3. Compare what Source C and Source D reveal about impacts associated with the use of the mobile
devices to access the Internet. [6]
“Compare” is a command term that requires an account of the similarities between two (or
more) items or situations, referring to both (or all of them) throughout. Note that both sources

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 refer to a specific service in the data mining. Responses should focus on this specific real-world
example, as the question does not require external knowledge or examples.
Answers may include, but are not limited to:
- Both sources acknowledge that mobile devices have had significant impacts on society,
business, education, health, psychology, and social life.
- Both sources acknowledge that there are both positive and negative impacts associated
with the use of mobile devices to access the internet.
o Source C –
positive: offering quick communication and saving time, increasing productivity,
improving IT infrastructure in developing countries, and creating job opportunities
negative: wasting time on social media and internet games, disturbing others in
public places, and negative effects on health due to excessive mobile phone usage
o Source D –
positive: can assist people with disabilities and elderly individuals in living more
independently and allow for constant communication and real-time information
sharing
negative: smartphone addiction can interfere with sleep and cause issues with
work-family balance, leading to increased stress

- Both sources acknowledge that excessive use of mobile devices can have negative effects
on health and well-being, including risks of addiction, poor eyesight, anxiety, and
withdrawal symptoms.
o Source C – excessive mobile phone use can be harmful to health
o Source D – excessive smartphone use can lead to patients avoiding personal
interactions with doctors and risks of addiction, poor eyesight, lead to addiction, alter
the brain's perception of the device, and cause anxiety and withdrawal symptoms.

- Both sources emphasize the importance of using mobile devices ethically and finding a
balance between their benefits and negative impacts.
o Source C – it is essential to use mobile applications ethically and balance their usage
to achieve their benefits while avoiding negative effects.
o Source D – it is essential to use smartphones wisely and find a balance between the
benefits and the negative impacts they bring.

Do not expect all of the points above, and allow other valid points. Award [2] per effective point of
comparison up to a maximum of [6]. If the view of only one source is discussed award a maximum of
[3]. For responses that discuss the sources separately, rather than in a running comparison, award a
maximum [4].

4. “Over the past decade, smartphones have revolutionized our lives in ways that go well beyond
how we communicate. Besides calling, texting, and emailing, more than two billion people around
the world now use these devices to navigate, to book cab rides, to compare product reviews and
prices, to follow the news, to watch movies, to listen to music, to play video games, to
memorialize vacations, and, not least of all, to participate in social media.”

With reference to all the sources and your own knowledge, discuss how the use of mobile
devices like smartphone and tablet contribute to the positive and negative impacts of social and
ethical issues. [12]

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 “Discuss” is a command term that requires a considered and balanced review that includes a range of
arguments, factors, or hypotheses. Opinions or conclusions should be presented clearly and supported by
appropriate evidence. The question includes reference to “change that is an evolution or a
transformation”, which is a prescribed course area for inquiry.
The stimulus quote might push candidates to consider the positive impacts, while the sources add more
nuance to this appraisal. This tension is at the heart of this question.
Issues derived from source materials may include, but are not limited to:

Positive impacts: (need to mention from which source)

- Communication: Smartphones have made it easier to stay in touch with friends, family, and
colleagues regardless of location, time, or circumstance.
- Accessibility: Mobile devices have made it easier for people to access information and resources,
including healthcare, education, and emergency services.
- Efficiency: Mobile devices can help people save time and increase productivity by enabling them
to perform various tasks on the go, such as booking appointments, ordering food, and making
payments.
- Innovation: Mobile devices have become a platform for innovation, spurring the development of
new products, services, and industries, including mobile applications, mobile gaming, and
mobile advertising.
- Socialization: Mobile devices have facilitated socialization and networking, enabling people to
connect with others with similar interests and perspectives and allowing people to participate in
online communities and discussions.

Negative impacts: (need to mention from which source)

- Addiction: Mobile devices, particularly smartphones, can be addictive and lead to excessive use,
causing adverse health effects such as sleep deprivation, anxiety, and depression.
- Distraction: Mobile devices can be a significant source of distraction, especially for students and
employees, leading to a decline in productivity and performance.
- Privacy and security: Mobile devices can expose users to privacy and security risks, such as
identity theft, cyberbullying, and hacking.
- Environmental impact: The production, use, and disposal of mobile devices can have significant
environmental impacts, such as energy consumption, e-waste, and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Social isolation: The use of mobile devices can contribute to social isolation, leading to reduced
social interaction and alienation from family, friends, and society.

Do not expect all of the above, and reward other relevant points and/or examples not listed. If only
source material or only own knowledge is used, the response can only be awarded a maximum of [8]. To
achieve the maximum [12], expect argument, synthesis of all four sources and own knowledge.
Candidates should synthesize and evaluate evidence from the sources and from their study of the course.

Disclaimer:
Content used in IB assessments is taken from authentic, third-party sources. The views expressed within them belong to
their individual authors and/or publishers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IB.

References:
Source A Adapted from article “Mobile vs. Desktop Usage in 2020”, by Perficient, a global
digital consultancy in the U.S., Latin America, and India. (2021)
https://www.perficient.com/insights/research-hub/mobile-vs-desktop-usage

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Source B Adapted from article “Mobile vs Desktop Usage Statistics for 2023” published in
Research.com (December 20, 2022)
https://research.com/software/mobile-vs-desktop-usage
Source C Adapted from “Mobile Application and Its Global Impact” published in International Journal
of Engineering & Technology IJET-IJENS, (2010)
https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1&type=pdf&doi=9f842c8177eee41fd96348eb4a0ae8ad45807076
Source D Adapted from “Impact of Smartphone’s on Society” published in European Journal
of Scientific Research (March 2013)
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/236669025_Impact_of_Smartphone's_on_Society