SSC Selection Post Phase 14 (Graduation Level)23 Sep 2026Shift 1Reading Comprehension
Fact, Opinion and Media Literacy

In a digital era saturated with information, distinguishing fact from opinion has become increasingly difficult. News is often tailored to attract attention rather than inform, blurring the line between journalism and entertainment. This trend has significant implications for public opinion, as emotionally charged headlines can shape perceptions more than verified facts. Algorithms on social media further intensify this effect by filtering content based on prior user behavior, creating echo chambers. In such environments, individuals are more likely to encounter views they already agree with, reinforcing biases instead of challenging them. Media literacy, therefore, is essential. It involves the ability to critically evaluate sources, check for credibility, and recognize manipulative techniques. Without these skills, citizens risk forming views based on partial or misleading information. An informed public is not just a democratic ideal—it’s a necessity in an age where truth can easily be distorted.

How do social media algorithms influence public opinion, according to the passage?

Answer और ExplanationAnswer and explanation

Answer: (C) By showing users what aligns with their past behavior

पैसेज के अनुसार algorithms सामग्री को “based on prior user behavior” अर्थात उपयोगकर्ता के पिछले व्यवहार के आधार पर छानते (filter) हैं। अतः उपयोगकर्ताओं को वही सामग्री दिखाई जाती है जो उनके पुराने व्यवहार से मेल खाती है। “Random content” आकर्षक विकल्प है, लेकिन filtering तो random के ठीक विपरीत प्रक्रिया है।

The passage says algorithms filter content “based on prior user behavior”. So users are shown what matches their past behaviour. “Random content” is the tempting option, but filtering is the very opposite of random.

बाकी Options उत्तर क्यों नहीं हैंWhy the other options are not the answer

A'By blocking all political content' सही प्रतीत हुआ, क्योंकि algorithms content को filter तो करते हैं। किंतु 'all' अत्यंत कठोर है, क्योंकि passage के अनुसार वे पिछले user behaviour के आधार पर filter करते हैं।'By blocking all political content' seemed right because algorithms do filter content; but 'all' is too strong, since the passage says they filter by prior user behaviour.
B'By offering random global content' सही प्रतीत हुआ, क्योंकि social media विविध posts दिखाता है। किंतु filtering random का विपरीत है, क्योंकि content पिछले व्यवहार के अनुसार चलता है।'By offering random global content' seemed right because social media shows varied posts; but filtering is the opposite of random, as content follows prior behaviour.
D'By promoting media literacy courses' सही प्रतीत हुआ, क्योंकि यह सकारात्मक उपाय जैसा लगता है। किंतु passage यह नहीं कहता कि algorithms ऐसे courses को बढ़ावा देते हैं।'By promoting media literacy courses' seemed right because it sounds like a positive cure; but the passage does not say algorithms promote such courses.

Source: SSC Selection Post Phase 14 (Graduation Level) · 23 Sep 2026 · Shift 1। Solution: Prashant Sir, Ramban।Source: SSC Selection Post Phase 14 (Graduation Level) · 23 Sep 2026 · Shift 1. Solution by Prashant Sir, from Ramban.