SSC CGL Tier I 12 Sep 2025 Shift 2 Paper

Question Numbers: 96-100
Read the following passage and answer the questions based on the passage :
The widespread adoption of social media has significantly reshaped the democratic arena, functioning both as a tool for civic empowerment and a vehicle for deception. Platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, once used primarily for personal sharing, have evolved into crucial mediums for political dialogue, allowing people to voice their opinions, rally for movements, and hold authorities accountable in real-time. Democracy, at its foundation, relies on the free exchange of information, and social media appears to facilitate this by breaking down traditional barriers. Politicians can directly engage with their audience, avoiding editorial mediation, while grassroots initiatives use viral content to highlight underrepresented perspectives. During pivotal moments—such as elections, demonstrations, or policy discussions—social media becomes a digital public square, encouraging active participation that was previously limited to physical gatherings or print media. Yet, this remarkable openness comes with significant risks. The same platforms that spread truth can also house falsehoods, deepen divides, and algorithmically create echo chambers. Instances of election meddling through fake profiles, organized harassment, and widespread misinformation have compromised the integrity of voting processes in various countries. Additionally, content that evokes strong emotions is often promoted for its engagement potential rather than its factual accuracy, turning political conversations into noisy, superficial confrontations. The impact of social media on democracy is thus not just a matter of its technical design, but also the ethical standards guiding its use. Effective regulation, enhanced media literacy, and transparency in algorithms are vital to leverage its democratic advantages while curbing its detrimental effects. Ultimately, social media is a reflection of collective societal actions. Its role as either a support for democratic strength or a means of manipulating public opinion depends greatly on the responsible conduct of users, institutions, and the platforms themselves.