Essay Previous Year Question Paper (2024) Section - B | UPSC Mains Essay Preparation PDF Download

Social Media and the 'Fear of Missing Out': A Pathway to Depression and Loneliness

Theodore Roosevelt’s quote, “Comparison is the thief of joy,” highlights the detrimental effects of social media-driven Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) on young people’s mental health. Social media, while enabling connection and self-expression, intensifies FOMO, where individuals feel anxious and dissatisfied, believing others lead more fulfilling lives. This essay examines how FOMO, fueled by curated online content, contributes to rising depression and loneliness, particularly among youth, and suggests strategies to address these issues.
FOMO, though not new, is amplified by social media’s idealized portrayals, leading to feelings of inadequacy, envy, and isolation, especially in young people forming their identities. Research links excessive social media use to increased anxiety, depression, and loneliness, as curated posts create unrealistic standards, distorting perceptions of reality. The COVID-19 pandemic worsened this, with physical isolation driving more online engagement, often deepening feelings of disconnection.
Social comparison, where individuals measure their lives against others’ highlight reels, exacerbates these issues, fostering a sense that happiness belongs to others. Yet, social media can also be positive, supporting relationships and communities when used mindfully. The essay proposes a multi-faceted approach to mitigate negative effects:

• Media Literacy: Teach youth to recognize curated content and develop critical thinking to counter FOMO.
• Mindful Use: Encourage time limits, selective content consumption, and prioritizing offline interactions.
• Real-World Connections: Promote activities like community events to build belonging and reduce isolation.
• Mental Health Support: Ensure access to counseling to address FOMO, depression, and loneliness.

Social media’s impact depends on its use. By fostering mindful engagement and real-world connections, society can leverage its benefits while minimizing harm, nurturing minds free from anxiety and loneliness, aligning with Churchill’s vision of future “empires of the mind.”

Nearly All Men Can Stand Adversity, but to Test the Character, Give Him Power

The essay uses Robert Mugabe’s transformation from a celebrated liberator to an authoritarian leader to illustrate the idea that while adversity tests resilience, power reveals a person’s true character. Initially admired for leading Zimbabwe’s fight against colonial rule, Mugabe’s early promise of reconciliation and development gave way to corruption, repression, and economic hardship as he clung to power. This shift underscores the central argument: adversity builds strength, but power exposes one’s core ethical principles.
Adversity fosters qualities like endurance and humility, earning admiration, but it is in positions of power that true values are tested. Power amplifies both virtues and flaws, as constraints of adversity fade, allowing selfishness or corruption to emerge. Historical examples like Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini show how power can erode morality, while corporate scandals highlight how unchecked economic power prioritizes profit over societal good. Conversely, responsible figures like philanthropists demonstrate how ethical principles can guide power for positive impact.
In the technological realm, leaders like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos wield immense influence, and their handling of power—whether through innovation or monopolistic tendencies—reveals their values. In contrast, Nelson Mandela’s presidency after years of imprisonment exemplifies how integrity in power can drive reconciliation and progress, proving power doesn’t always corrupt but exposes character.
The essay acknowledges a counterview: systemic failures, like lack of accountability, can contribute to power’s misuse, suggesting the need for strong institutional frameworks alongside individual integrity. Ultimately, as Mahatma Gandhi’s quote, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others,” suggests, true character shines not in enduring adversity but in wielding power with wisdom and humility for the common good.

All Ideas Having Large Consequences Are Always Simple

The essay argues that simple ideas can lead to profound societal changes, using the 1989 Tiananmen Square protestor’s stand for democracy as a powerful example of how a single act sparked global conversations about freedom and human rights. It explores how simplicity in ideas—whether in politics, science, economics, social movements, or ethics—drives clarity and impact, while also acknowledging the role of complex ideas in shaping history.
In politics, Mahatma Gandhi’s concept of non-violence (Ahimsa) distilled complex ideas of justice into a single, clear principle, inspiring India’s independence movement. In science, Albert Einstein’s E=mc², despite its simplicity, revolutionized our understanding of mass and energy, leading to advancements in nuclear technology. Economically, the smartphone’s user-friendly design transformed communication and commerce, while Muhammad Yunus’s microfinance concept empowered the underprivileged through small loans, alleviating poverty. Socially, the #MeToo movement’s simple call for respect and safety reshaped global conversations on harassment and accountability. Ethically, the Golden Rule—“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”—a universal, simple principle, has shaped moral conduct across cultures for centuries.
The essay also recognizes that complex ideas can have significant consequences, and oversimplification risks ignoring nuances. Apple’s success, for instance, shows how complex technology can be made accessible through simple design. The interplay between simplicity and complexity is key: some ideas start simple but gain depth, while others are distilled from complexity into impactful principles. As William Wordsworth’s quote suggests, small, simple acts—or ideas—can lead to profound change. The essay concludes that whether simple or complex, the power of an idea lies in its ability to inspire transformative change for a better future.

The Cost of Wrong Is Less Than the Cost of Doing Nothing

The essay illustrates the transformative power of action over inaction through Nintendo’s pivotal shift in 1968 from a struggling wooden toy venture to a global gaming giant. Facing financial strain, the company abandoned a cautious approach and embraced the risky move into electronic gaming consoles, a decision that reshaped its future. This story underscores the central argument: taking action, even if imperfect, is essential for growth and success, as the cost of inaction often outweighs the consequences of mistakes.
Action carries inherent risks, but fear of failure can lead to paralysis, stifling progress in business, governance, or personal life. Historical examples like the Titanic disaster highlight how inaction—ignoring iceberg warnings—resulted in catastrophic losses. Similarly, Kodak’s hesitation to adopt digital photography, despite inventing it, led to its decline, showing how missed opportunities from inaction can be devastating.
In politics, failure to act, such as delayed climate change policies, has worsened environmental crises, while proactive governance fosters innovation and resilience. During the COVID-19 pandemic, countries that acted swiftly, even imperfectly, fared better than those paralyzed by indecision, demonstrating that inaction can have dire consequences.
On a personal level, fear of failure can prevent individuals from pursuing dreams, as seen in J.K. Rowling’s persistence despite numerous rejections before achieving success with Harry Potter. However, the essay acknowledges that rash actions, like the deregulation leading to the 2008 financial crisis, can be harmful, suggesting a balance between action and reflection is crucial.

Tennyson’s quote, “To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield,” encapsulates the need to act despite risks. The essay concludes that while mistakes are part of growth, inaction often carries a higher cost, and thoughtful action—balanced with deliberation—drives progress in personal, business, and societal contexts.