Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions.

In the age of social media, the spread of misinformation has become a pressing concern for governments, journalists, and the public. False information can range from harmless rumors to dangerous conspiracy theories that influence public health and political stability. The speed at which misinformation spreads online often outpaces efforts to correct it.

One significant reason for this rapid spread is the way social media algorithms prioritize content. Platforms are designed to maximize engagement, often showing users posts that align with their existing beliefs. This “echo chamber” effect reinforces opinions and makes it harder for individuals to consider opposing viewpoints. As a result, misinformation can seem more credible when it is repeated by many within the same network.

To combat this problem, experts recommend a multi-pronged strategy. First, digital literacy education should be implemented from an early age, teaching people how to evaluate sources and identify suspicious content. Second, collaboration between social media companies and independent fact-checkers can help flag false information quickly. Finally, promoting credible news sources through algorithms, rather than purely popular content, can help shift the balance toward accuracy.

However, these solutions are not without challenges. Fact-checking requires time and resources, and misinformation often evolves faster than it can be debunked. Moreover, some users may distrust fact-checkers, viewing them as biased. Despite these hurdles, media scholar Dr. Leila Ortiz argues, “We cannot simply give up. Combating misinformation is essential for a functioning democracy.”

In the end, addressing misinformation requires both systemic changes in how information is distributed online and individual responsibility in consuming and sharing content. While the problem is complex, collective action offers the best chance of reducing the harmful impact of false information.

What is “align with” in paragraph 2 closest in meaning to?