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SSC CPO 2022 PYQ — Question 45

SSC CPO - 9 Nov 2022 - Shift 3 • English • Q45

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Read the passage carefully and answer the question that follows.

Humans are social animals by nature. To prosper in life, we require the company of others, and the strength of our bonds has a significant influence on our mental health and happiness. Being socially linked to people may help you cope with stress, worry and depression, increase your self-esteem, bring comfort and joy, prevent loneliness, and even add years to your life. On the other hand, a lack of strong social relationships might put your mental and emotional health at in danger. Many of us use social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, YouTube and Instagram to locate and communicate with one another in today's society. While each has its own set of advantages, it's vital to realise that social media will never be a substitute for genuine human interaction. In order to trigger the hormones that relieve stress and make you feel happier, healthier, and more optimistic, you must interact with individuals in person. Spending too much time on social media, ironically for a tool supposed to bring people closer together, can instead make you feel more lonely and isolated, and aggravate mental health issues like anxiety and depression. If you're spending too much time on social media and are experiencing emotions of unhappiness, discontent, irritation or loneliness, it's time to re-evaluate your online habits and establish a healthier balance.

Because social media is such a new technology, little study has been done to determine the long-term effects, good or ill, of its use. Multiple studies, however, have linked extensive social media use to an increased risk of melancholy, anxiety, loneliness, self-harm and even suicide ideation. The purpose of social media sites is to capture your interest, keep you online, and keep you checking your screen for updates. It's how businesses generate money. However, much like a gambling addiction or a nicotine, alcohol, or drug addiction, social media use may lead to psychological cravings. When you get a like, a share, or a positive reaction to a post, your brain releases dopamine, the same ‘reward’ chemical that you get after winning at a slot machine, eating chocolate, or smoking a cigarette,for example. The more you're rewarded, the more time you want to spend on social media, even if it has negative consequences in other areas of your life.

Which of the following statements is NOT true?

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A

Explanation

The correct answer is option 1 i.e. Social media can offer a substitute for real-life social interaction.

"Social media can offer a substitute for real-life social interaction" is a suitable option

 The passage makes it clear that social media cannot replace real human connection and emphasises the significance of face-to-face interactions for mental health and well-being.

Compared to other options,

Lack of social interaction may cause anxiety and depression: It is a correct statement. The passage talks about how having poor social connections may be beneficial to one's mental and emotional well-being and how it can even cause conditions like depression and anxiety.

Social bonds have a strong influence on our mental health: It is a correct statement. According to the passage, our happiness and mental health are greatly influenced by the strength of our relationships.

People need to reevaluate how they use social media: According to the passage, people should reconsider their online activities and establish a healthy balance if they are feeling tired from spending too much time on social media.