Passage

Passage—3 We live in digital times. The digital is not just something we use strategically and specifically to do a few tasks. Our very perception of who we are, how we connect to the world around us, and the ways in which we define our domains of life, labour and language are hugely structured by the digital technologies. The digital is everywhere and, like air, invisible. We live within digital systems, we live with intimate gadgets, we interact through digital media, and the very presence and imagination of the digital has dramatically restructured our lives. The digital, far from being a tool, is a condition and context that defines the shapes and boundaries of our understanding of the self, the society, and the structure of governance.

Which among the following is the most logical and essential message conveyed by the above passage?

(a) All problems of governance can be solved by using digital technologies.
(b) Speaking of digital technologies is speaking of our life and living. ✓ UPSC's answer
(c) Our creativity and imagination cannot be expressed without digital media.
(d) Use of digital systems is imperative for the existence of mankind in future.

Why the answer is (b)

• The passage states that the digital is not just a tool for specific tasks but is integral to our perception of identity and connection to the world.

• It emphasizes that digital technology is woven into the fabric of how we define our domains and exist in the present moment.

• Option (b) accurately reflects this by equating the discussion of digital technologies with the discussion of our life and living.

• The other options either overstate the utility (solving all governance problems), limit the scope (creativity only), or make a speculative future claim (imperative for future existence) not supported by the text.

• Therefore, the most logical and essential message is that digital technology is synonymous with our current mode of life.

Why the other options are wrong

(a) All problems of governance can be solved by using digital technologies.: The passage does not claim that digital technologies solve all problems of governance, only that they are part of our perception and connection.
(c) Our creativity and imagination cannot be expressed without digital media.: The passage does not state that creativity and imagination cannot be expressed without digital media, but rather that digital is part of our identity and connection.
(d) Use of digital systems is imperative for the existence of mankind in future.: The passage describes the current state of living in digital times, not a future imperative for the existence of mankind.

Asked in the CSAT Paper II of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2017, held on 18 June 2017. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.