In each of the question given below, a statement has been given with two blanks. Some words or phrases have been given in the options following the statement. Choose the most appropriate words that could fit in the statement to make it contextually meaningful and grammatically correct. The growing reliance on algorithm-driven content has ________ public attention while simultaneously ________ the diversity of viewpoints.

Solution

The sentence highlights two parallel negative effects of algorithm-driven content. The first blank requires a word that conveys division or scattering of attention, and “fragmented” fits this idea precisely, as algorithms tend to break attention into short, disconnected spans. The second blank must express a reduction in diversity, which is accurately conveyed by “narrowing,” since algorithms often reinforce similar viewpoints rather than exposing users to varied perspectives. Option (a) fails because “expanded” and “enriching” suggest positive outcomes, which contradict the critical tone. Option (c) is incorrect because “eliminating” is too absolute and extreme. Option (d) does not fit because “redirected” is vague and “sustaining” contradicts the idea of reduced diversity. Option (e) fails as “concentrated attention” contradicts fragmentation, and “validating viewpoints” does not imply reduction.