Directions: Read the given passage carefully and answer the questions that follow by selecting the most appropriate option.

The landscape of communication has transformed dramatically over the past few decades. In the era of digital technology, modern individuals have a variety of communication methods at their fingertips, ranging from emails and instant messaging apps to video conferencing and social media platforms.

Pioneered by Ray Tomlinson in 1971, the first email heralded a new dawn for communication, breaking the spatial and temporal barriers. The success and global adoption of email paved the way for more instantaneous modes of communication, such as text messaging and chat apps. These platforms enabled people to communicate in real-time, allowing conversations to flow more naturally and fostering a sense of connectedness.

The digital age also ushered in the era of social media, with platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. These interactive platforms allowed users to communicate, network, and share content like never before. Moreover, they helped establish a global village where geographical distances mattered less and less.

Similarly, video conferencing technology, like Zoom or Google Meet, has grown exponentially, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which necessitated remote work and learning. It transformed how businesses and schools operated, providing a tool to communicate visually and verbally in real-time.

Despite their convenience and bespoken immediacy, digital communication modes do bear questions about privacy, security, and their impact on face-to-face social interactions. As our dependence on these platforms grows, it is crucial to address these concerns and ensure secure and ethical digital communication practices.