Impact of the Internet on Society (Edexcel IGCSE Ict)
Exam board Pearson Edexcel · IGCSEUpdated 2026-05-07
Less-restricted networks
Spec point —
3.5.1
What is the impact of less-restricted networks?
-
The impact of less-restricted networks is evident in mass communication (media) such as:
- Broadcasting
- Publishing
- The internet
| Impact | Impacts |
|---|---|
| Broadcasting a message | - Before the internet, an individual would need to persuade a media outlet to broadcast their message - It was difficult to get a message to the masses - Social media and video streaming have given society a platform to share their own messages to a global audience |
| Online content | - Controlled by moderators - Service owners control content can be published - Algorithms determine what content watchers see based upon browsing history & online activity - Paid promotion will be seen by more users than individuals that don't pay |
| User generated reference sites | - Sites such as Wikipedia have removed the element of fact checking by experts or editors - Users can contribute content that may or may not be true |
| Law enforcement | Negative - Use of social media and video messaging services to organise illegal activities whilst avoiding police Positive - Use of a network of CCTV cameras to record illegal actions - Footage captured on social media to help identify suspects - Social media used to organise events to support victims |
Information rich & information poor
Spec point —
3.5.2
What is the information gap?
- The information gap refers to the divide created between people who have access to online information, and those that do not
| Information rich | Information poor |
|---|---|
| Good access to information, this improves education and helps enable them to make decisions | Reduced access to information, this decreases education and reduces their ability to make decisions |
- The gap has been there since television and radio were introduced
- The internet has further widened the gap
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