Text 1: Sociologist Dr. Anna Chen argues that social media amplifies polarization. "Filter bubbles and algorithmic feeds expose users only to like-minded content," Chen writes. "This creates echo chambers where extreme views flourish unchallenged. Democratic discourse requires exposure to diverse perspectives that social media undermines."
Text 2: Media researcher Dr. Mark Stevens presents contradictory findings. "Studies show most social media users encounter more diverse viewpoints online than offline," Stevens reports. "People live in geographically and socially homogeneous communities. Social media actually exposes them to perspectives they'd never encounter otherwise."
Which statement would both Chen and Stevens most likely accept?
Social media has no effect on political discourse
The relationship between social media and viewpoint exposure is worthy of study
Filter bubbles guarantee complete isolation from opposing views
Offline communities always provide more diverse perspectives than online
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the correct answer. Both are researchers studying social media's effects on viewpoint exposure—Chen seeing negative effects, Stevens seeing positive. Both would agree the topic merits investigation.
- Evidence: Both present research-based claims about media and perspectives.
- Reasoning: Their disagreement presupposes the importance of the research question.
- Conclusion: They share commitment to studying the relationship.
Choice A is incorrect because both believe social media affects discourse. Choice C is incorrect because Stevens disputes this claim. Choice D is incorrect because Stevens argues the opposite.