UPSC Prelims 2024 · CSAT

Question 13: Reading Comprehension

Passage beginning “Not every voice on the internet…” — Passage—2 · as printed by UPSC

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

aConstructed as a marketplace of views, social media ensures instant access to information.

bSocial media are not ideal or moral institutions but the products built by companies to make profits.

cSocial media have been created to strengthen democracies.

dIn today's world, social media are inevitable for well-informed social life.

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b).

The passage argues that voices on the internet are not heard equally, that wealthy anonymous parties can buy reach, that political debate on digital platforms can turn into outshouting opponents, and that platforms reward whatever draws engagement, however inflammatory. Its common thread is that social media are commercial products driven by what keeps users engaged, not neutral, ideal institutions. Option (b) states this; the others claim ideals (instant access, strengthening democracy, being inevitable) that the passage never makes.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Wrong. The passage questions the idea of an even marketplace of views; instant access is not its point.
(b) Right. The passage shows platforms favour paid reach and engagement, i.e. they are commercial products, not ideal institutions.
(c) Wrong. The passage suggests social media can harm the quality of politics, so it does not say they were built to strengthen democracy.
(d) Wrong. Social media being inevitable for an informed life is never argued.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2024, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.