Question 1: Define 'new media' and give two examples of digital platforms that are considered part of this category.

Answer: New media refers to digital forms of communication that are interactive and accessible via the internet, such as social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, and streaming services like Netflix.

Question 2: Explain how social media can influence young people's perceptions of beauty and self-image.

Answer: Social media exposes young people to idealised images and lifestyles, which can lead to unrealistic beauty standards and increased pressure to conform, potentially affecting self-esteem and body image negatively.

Question 3: Identify and describe two positive impacts of new media on society.

Answer: Firstly, new media enables greater social connectivity, allowing individuals to maintain relationships across distances. Secondly, it provides access to diverse information and ideas, promoting education and awareness.

Question 4: Discuss the concept of 'echo chambers' in relation to new media and its potential effects on society.

Answer: Echo chambers occur when individuals are exposed only to information and opinions that reinforce their existing beliefs, often due to algorithms on social media. This can lead to increased polarization, reduced exposure to diverse perspectives, and the reinforcement of prejudices.

Question 5: Describe how a social media platform might influence public opinion during a political election.

Answer: Social media platforms can shape public opinion by spreading information, opinions, and propaganda quickly. They allow users to share content widely, which can influence voters' perceptions of candidates and issues, sometimes leading to misinformation or biased narratives.

Question 6: Sketch a diagram showing the flow of information on a social media platform, including users, content creation, sharing, and feedback.

Answer: A correct sketch would include: multiple users connected to a central platform, arrows indicating content creation by users, sharing of content to other users, and feedback mechanisms such as comments or likes.

Question 7: Evaluate the impact of new media on traditional forms of mass media, such as television and newspapers.

Answer: New media has challenged traditional mass media by providing instant, user-generated content that is more interactive and accessible. While traditional media relies on controlled broadcasting, new media allows for decentralized information sharing, which can democratize information but also spread misinformation more easily.

Question 8: Identify one sociological theory that explains how new media can lead to social change, and briefly describe its perspective.

Answer: The Functionalist perspective suggests that new media contributes to social stability by facilitating communication and social cohesion, but it can also promote social change by enabling social activism and awareness campaigns.