Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

English

Chapter

Comprehension - (Narrative / Factual)

Question:

Read the following passage. Answer the question:

Digital technologies have profoundly changed childhood and adolescence. The internet and the means to access it, such as tablets and smartphones, along with social media platforms and messaging apps, have become integral to the lives of youth around the world. They have transformed their education and learning the way make and maintain friendship, how they spend their leisure time, and their engagement with wider society. UNICEF's State of the world's Children 2017: Children in a Digital World report reveals that one in three internet users is younger 18 years and 71% of 15-24-year-olds are online, making them the most connected age group worldwide. However, the so-called digital divide is substantial: 346 million youth are not online, with African adolescents the most affected (60% are not connected compared with 4% in Europe). Young people who lack digital skills, live in remote regions, or speak a minority language are also being left behind in harnessing the opportunities.

Some children have never been online or have little access and are missing out on the benefits of connectivity.

Digital advances have their flip side too. Bullying is no longer left at the school gates; cyberbullying is a new method for bullies to hurt and humilite their victims with the click of a button. Words and images posted online that are designed to cause harm are also difficult to delete, increasing the risk of re-victimisation.

Concerns have also been raised about the time children spend using digital technology and its effect on their physical activity and mental health. Evidence suggests moderate use of digital technology can be beneficial to children's mental wellbeing, whereas excessive use can be detrimental. Children's social relationships seem to be enhanced by digital technology, especially since most of their social circle is now online. Evidence on physical activity is mixed. And better research is needed in this area.

Despite these issues, the popularity and use of digital technologies will continue to grow. However, an intergenerational gap exists in digital knowledge and literacy. Teachers and parents need training to teach digital skills and online safety to children. They are also crucial to helping young people assess reliable news and information sources and navigate the pressures social media, as highlighted in a report released on Jan 4 by England's Children's Commissioner. Schools are also an important forum for discussing cyberbullying, anti-bullying programmes need to include online harassment.

Children and adolescents must be the priority of national and global digital policies, not only to protect them from online harm but also to allow technology to help them fulfil their full potential.

What is the antonym of 'DETRIMENTAL'?

Options:

transformation

pressure

useful

crucial

Correct Answer:

useful

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (3) - useful