Question

Read the text given below:

People below the age of 20 and above the age of 50 are more likely to believe fake news. Those relatively new to the use of the internet still do not grasp the concept of fake information over these platforms, reveals a new survey ‘Countering Misinformation in India.’ This survey has been conducted jointly by Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI). At least 40% of the respondents believed in ‘misinformation’ received over social media if it came with leading backgrounds and evidence, while 34% of them believe the information when it is shared by a trustworthy organization. The dominant factor that drives people to forward such information is their belief that it might benefit others and help in their safety. In fact, that was the response of almost 50% of the respondents. This was compounded by the fact that at least 20% of the respondents expressed their lack of trust in conventional media thus their faith in contents shared by common people over social media. But even then, newspapers still remain the top source of information for most. At least 53% of the respondents trust what is generally perceived as neutral media and only 29% trust technology and social media platforms. However, what was surprising was that almost 45% of the respondents did not even know about the existence of fact-checking organization and most did not even know that journalists had to verify data before they let it out. Only 26% of the respondents believe that it is the responsibility of the media to curb or identify fake news. Many respondents also put the responsibility of identifying such fake news on an individual. The survey has found that first time or early users of the Internet platforms are more susceptible to fake news than others. There is a need for building capacities and creating a National Civic Digital Literacy Strategic Plan.

Answer the following questions, based on the given passage:

1. Select the option that comes under conventional media:
   1. Instagram
   2. Newspaper
   3. Facebook
   4. E-mail
2. Select the correct option:
   One factor that prompts people to believe fake news is that ______.
   
   1. it supports their point of view
   2. they are biased
   3. it is from a reliable site
   4. it has more ‘likes’ and ‘shares’
3. What according to the passage are the intentions of people who share information?
4. Which reason do you infer from the passage is responsible for journalists spreading misinformation?
5. Complete the sentence appropriately:
   The threat faced by the new entrants in social media is ______.
6. Explain your understanding of the difference between ‘misinformation’ and ‘fake news’.
7. As per your inference drawn from para (1), which category of people fall as victims to fake news?
8. What is the blame game that goes on in fixing the onus of identifying fake news?

Answer 1

1. Newspaper
2. One factor that prompts people to believe fake news is that it is from a reliable site.
3. People are mostly motivated to forward and share information because they think it could aid others and ensure their safety.
4. According to the paragraph, the public's ignorance of journalistic procedures and the importance of fact-checking material is the implied cause of journalists disseminating false information.
5. The threat faced by the new entrants in social media is that they are more susceptible to fake news.
6. 'Misinformation' and 'fake news' differ in Misinformation is defined as incorrect or false information that is disseminated accidentally or without malice. The purpose of intentionally producing and disseminating fake news is to trick, mislead, or influence the public.
7. People below the age of 20 and above the age of 50 fall prey to fake news as inferred from para 1.
8. The media and respondents hold each other accountable for identifying bogus news, accusing each other of spreading it.