Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made : 1. Internet is not inclusive enough. 2. Internet can adversely affect the quality of politics in a country. Which of the assumptions given above is/are valid?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2 ✓ UPSC's answer
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Why the answer is (c)
• The passage states that anonymous private entities with high capital can pay for more space, effectively buying a louder voice, which implies that the internet platform is not equally accessible or inclusive to all voices, validating Assumption 1.
• The text explicitly argues that if political discourse becomes a matter of outshining opponents through paid amplification, the quality of politics suffers, directly supporting Assumption 2.
• Since the passage links the ability to buy influence with a degradation of political quality, both assumptions are logically derived from the provided text.
• Therefore, both Assumption 1 and Assumption 2 are valid based on the passage.
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 only
- This option is incorrect because it excludes Assumption 2, which is explicitly supported by the passage's statement that the quality of politics suffers.
- (b) 2 only
- This option is incorrect because it excludes Assumption 1, which is supported by the passage's description of high-capital entities buying a louder voice, indicating a lack of inclusivity.
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
- This option is incorrect because both assumptions are clearly supported by the arguments presented in the passage.
Asked in the CSAT Paper II of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2024, held on 16 June 2024. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.