Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 23 to 30.
In the fast-evolving digital era, mass media appears more dynamic, diverse, and engaging. One popular trend is short-form video - clips that last from 15 seconds to 3 minutes. Platforms such as TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts allow users to create and upload content quickly. These videos are accessible, visually appealing, and often widely shared. Many people enjoy using these platforms to express themselves or follow others.
Livestream commerce is also changing how people shop online. Instead of scrolling through static product pages, consumers can join real-time broadcasts. In these sessions, hosts demonstrate items, share honest reviews, and interact with viewers directly. This type of shopping offers a different experience compared to regular e- commerce. This is especially true during flash sales, limited-time offers, or special product launches.
These media formats are now coming together. Influencers and businesses use a hybrid strategy - combining livestreams with short videos - to attract wider audiences and boost brand visibility. Media today is no longer passive; it has become an interactive, personalized experience blending entertainment, marketing, and e-commerce, shaping how consumers connect, make decisions, and engage with content across platforms in faster, more dynamic, and innovative ways.
Despite its popularity, this innovation has raised several serious concerns. Since livestreams and short videos are very entertaining, some online buyers make quick purchases. They are often influenced more by the content itself than by their actual needs. This kind of media can also make products look better than they are, which can lead to disappointment after purchase. As a result, people are becoming more worried about unreliable sellers and their low- quality items that don’t match their eye-catching livestreams. As media and shopping are now linked, audiences should enjoy the content while remaining aware of misleading advertising and practicing thoughtful, responsible spending habits.
(Adapted from English Discovery)
