Each of the following sentences has two blanks. Select the most appropriate pair of words from the options given to fill in the blanks so that the sentence is grammatically and contextually correct. The rapid expansion of digital platforms has not only democratized access to information but has also ______ the spread of misinformation, making it increasingly difficult to ______ credible sources from unreliable ones.

The sentence presents a dual impact of digital platforms: positive (access) and negative (misinformation). The first blank must indicate that misinformation has increased or spread faster, making “accelerated” correct. The second blank requires a verb meaning to tell apart or differentiate, which is best captured by “distinguish.” Other options fail because: “curtailed” and “restricted” imply reduction “minimized” contradicts spread “balanced” does not logically fit Thus, the sentence captures the paradox of digital growth: more access but also more confusion.