Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow by selecting the most appropriate option from the given alternatives.
As algorithms increasingly curate our digital experiences what we read, watch, buy, or even whom we date-they quietly shape our perception of the world. This phenomenon, known as "algorithmic living," promises efficiency but risks eroding autonomy. When choices are filtered through predictive systems, personal agency may weaken, and individuals might mistake convenience for control. Moreover, algorithmic personalization often traps users in feedback loops, reinforcing existing preferences and limiting exposure to diverse perspectives. Over time, this can lead to cognitive narrowing, where users become less open to alternative views or new ideas. While algorithms are not inherently harmful, their unchecked influence raises ethical concerns about manipulation and passive consumption. True digital well-being demands critical awareness-not of the machine, but of how we engage with it. In a world increasingly optimized for us, the question is not what the algorithm shows, but whether we are still choosing to look beyond it.
How does algorithmic living affect thinking over time?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The passage states that algorithmic living leads to "cognitive narrowing," a process where users become less open to alternative views or new ideas because they are trapped in feedback loops that reinforce existing preferences.
Based on this, the correct answer to the question "How does algorithmic living affect thinking over time?" is:
It narrows perspective and reduces openness.