Read the following passage and answer the given questions. While social media has ____________ global communication, its misuse continues to raise serious alarms across nations. What began as a platform for connection and free expression has, in many instances, become a breeding ground for misinformation, cyberbullying, and hate speech. According to DataReportal’s 2024 Global Digital Report, over 5.04 billion people worldwide now use the internet, with 4.80 billion active on social media. Countries like India, Brazil, and the Philippines have seen the highest year-on-year growth in user engagement. However, this increase has also led to a surge in harmful online behavior. One of the most disturbing trends is the proliferation of hate speech through social platforms. From racist slurs to targeted harassment of minorities, social media has enabled hate to spread faster than ever before. Algorithms often promote controversial or divisive content because it drives engagement, indirectly encouraging inflammatory posts. Studies show that hate-based tweets are 70% more likely to be retweeted than neutral ones. In response, several countries have introduced legislation to counter this wave of digital toxicity. Germany’s Network Enforcement Act (NetzDG), enacted in 2017, is considered a benchmark policy. It requires platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter to remove “obviously illegal” content within 24 hours of notification, or face heavy fines. These platforms must also maintain internal records of user complaints and content takedown actions for transparency and future audits. Country X, recognizing the growing online hostility within its borders, is now adopting a similar model to Germany’s NetzDG. By mandating rapid content takedown, establishing grievance redressal mechanisms, and enforcing penalties for non-compliance, Country X hopes to curb the unchecked spread of hate speech on social media. It has also put in place digital compliance protocols to track violations and ensure swift corrective action. While such steps are commendable, experts stress that technology alone cannot solve the problem. Promoting digital literacy, encouraging ethical online behavior, and holding platforms accountable are all essential to making social media a safer space.

Identify the CORRECT statement based on the passage below:

(I) The passage discusses only the positive impacts of social media.

(II) Country X has already enacted NetzDG laws.

(III) Promoting ethical online behavior is considered crucial in curbing online hate.

Question

Read the following passage and answer the given questions. While social media has ____________ global communication, its misuse continues to raise serious alarms across nations. What began as a platform for connection and free expression has, in many instances, become a breeding ground for misinformation, cyberbullying, and hate speech. According to DataReportal’s 2024 Global Digital Report, over 5.04 billion people worldwide now use the internet, with 4.80 billion active on social media. Countries like India, Brazil, and the Philippines have seen the highest year-on-year growth in user engagement. However, this increase has also led to a surge in harmful online behavior. One of the most disturbing trends is the proliferation of hate speech through social platforms. From racist slurs to targeted harassment of minorities, social media has enabled hate to spread faster than ever before. Algorithms often promote controversial or divisive content because it drives engagement, indirectly encouraging inflammatory posts. Studies show that hate-based tweets are 70% more likely to be retweeted than neutral ones. In response, several countries have introduced legislation to counter this wave of digital toxicity. Germany’s Network Enforcement Act (NetzDG), enacted in 2017, is considered a benchmark policy. It requires platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter to remove “obviously illegal” content within 24 hours of notification, or face heavy fines. These platforms must also maintain internal records of user complaints and content takedown actions for transparency and future audits. Country X, recognizing the growing online hostility within its borders, is now adopting a similar model to Germany’s NetzDG. By mandating rapid content takedown, establishing grievance redressal mechanisms, and enforcing penalties for non-compliance, Country X hopes to curb the unchecked spread of hate speech on social media. It has also put in place digital compliance protocols to track violations and ensure swift corrective action. While such steps are commendable, experts stress that technology alone cannot solve the problem. Promoting digital literacy, encouraging ethical online behavior, and holding platforms accountable are all essential to making social media a safer space.

Identify the CORRECT statement based on the passage below:

(I) The passage discusses only the positive impacts of social media.

(II) Country X has already enacted NetzDG laws.

(III) Promoting ethical online behavior is considered crucial in curbing online hate.

Accepted Answer

**Solution:**

1. Statement (I) is incorrect because the passage primarily highlights the negative consequences of social media misuse, such as misinformation, cyberbullying, and hate speech, rather than focusing solely on positive effects.

2. Statement (II) is false since Country X is in the process of adopting a law similar to Germany's NetzDG but has not yet enacted the NetzDG itself.

3. Statement (III) is correct as the passage emphasizes the importance of promoting ethical online behavior and digital literacy to effectively combat the spread of hate speech.

**Answer:** (c) Only (III)

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