Question

which of the extracts below show evidence of bias?

extract 1
social media has been with us for less than two decades, yet its anti-social effects - from anxiety and depression to sleeplessness and compulsive behaviour - are already obvious.

extract 2
the rules must change or people need to stop using social media. either way, this wholesale spying has to stop.

Explanation:

Analyze Extract 1 for bias

Using the Tone Analysis and Authorial Attitude knowledge points, we examine the language in Extract 1: "Social media has been with us for less than two decades, yet its anti-social effects – from anxiety and depression to sleeplessness and compulsive behaviour – are already obvious."

The author presents highly negative consequences ("anti-social effects", "anxiety", "depression", "sleeplessness", "compulsive behaviour") as "already obvious" facts without presenting any counter-evidence, balanced perspective, or qualifying language. This one-sided presentation and strong, subjective phrasing show a clear negative bias against social media.

Analyze Extract 2 for bias

Using the Tone Analysis and Source Evaluation knowledge points, we examine the language in Extract 2: "'The rules must change or people need to stop using social media. Either way, this wholesale spying has to stop.'"

The author uses highly charged, subjective, and emotive language ("wholesale spying", "must change", "has to stop") to express a strong personal opinion. There is no objective, neutral presentation of facts; instead, the text takes a definitive, non-neutral stance against the current state of social media, which is a clear indicator of bias.

Determine the final answer

Since both Extract 1 and Extract 2 rely on subjective, emotionally charged, and one-sided assertions rather than balanced, objective reporting, both extracts show clear evidence of bias.

Answer:

• Extract 1
• Extract 2
• Both extracts (Correct answer)
• Neither extract