Passage

Not every voice on the internet commands the same kind of audience. When anonymous private entities with high capital can pay for more space for their opinions, they are effectively buying a louder voice. If political discourse in the digital sphere is a matter of outshining one's opponent till the election is won, then the quality of politics suffers. The focus of social media is restricted to the promotion of content that generates more user engagement, regardless of how inflammatory the content may be.

QUESTION

CSAT

Easy

Comprehension

Prelims 2024

Which one of the following statements best reflects the central idea of the above passage ?

Select an option to attempt

Explanation

Option A is incorrect: The passage does not focus on social media providing instant access to information but instead on how it amplifies voices that can pay for visibility.

Option B is correct: This reflects the central idea that social media platforms are profit-driven products created by companies, not ideal or moral institutions.

Option C is incorrect: The passage does not claim that social media inherently strengthens democracies; it suggests that profit motives can degrade the quality of political discourse.

Option D is incorrect: The passage critiques social media's influence on politics rather than suggesting it as essential for an informed social life.