💡 Adapted from Hoang, Q., & Lascaux, A. (2025). Cyberspace-prompted consumption: Surrendering to technology in a ubiquitous digital era. Marketing Theory. https://doi.org/10.1177/14705931251335252
Part I: Word Formation
Complete the following text about digital overconsumption using the correct form of the words given in the brackets.
In today’s hyper-connected and 1.
Explanation
Correct Answer: algorithm-driven

algorithmic is not accepted because a society is influenced, not run, by algorithms. The hint for using -driven is found in the subsequent phrase “AI-driven platforms”.

(ALGORITHM) society, digital overconsumption can be commonly observed. With the rapid proliferation of smartphones, tablets, laptops, wearable devices, smart home systems, and AI-driven platforms, the 2.
Explanation
Correct Answer: normalisation / normalization

normality is not accepted because it describes a stable condition. Here, we are referring to the social process of something becoming standard.

(NORMAL) of constant technology use has reached 3.
Explanation
Correct Answer: unprecedented

An adjective derived from “precede” meaning never done or known before.

(PRECEDE) levels. The issue has evolved into a global challenge, impacting people across various ages, genders, professions, and regions. At its core, digital overconsumption refers to individuals’ (felt) excessive 4.
Explanation
Correct Answer: engagement

A noun is required after the adjective “excessive” to describe the act of interacting with media.

(ENGAGE) with digital media and technology, which can have detrimental effects on their physical, psychological, and social 5.
Explanation
Correct Answer: well-being

A compound noun used to describe the state of being healthy and happy.

(BE). The concept of “excess,” in this context, is understood as “too much of something”; an amount felt to be more than necessary, expected, or 6.
Explanation
Correct Answer: reasonable

An adjective is needed to complete the list “necessary, expected, or…”.

(REASON).
From endless scrolling on social media to 7.
Explanation
Correct Answer: compulsively

compulsive is not accepted because the verb checking is followed by an object (emails). We need an adverb to modify the action.

(COMPEL) checking emails or being bombarded by a constant stream of news and entertainment, increasingly more individuals find themselves tethered to their screens – often at the expense of their mental health, 8.
Explanation
Correct Answer: productivity

A noun describing the state of being productive, parallel to “mental health”.

(PRODUCT), and meaningful social connections. Far from being an isolated concern, excessive digital interaction has emerged as a 9.
Explanation
Correct Answer: widespread

An adjective meaning found or distributed over a large area or among many people.

(WIDE) experience among digital users, strongly connected to the features of digital devices and their social environment. Digital overconsumption, we must recognise, represents a significant 10.
Explanation
Correct Answer: societal

Social is not accepted because it is likely not formed directly from “society” in this context. Societal specifically refers to the whole of society and its structure.

(SOCIETY) challenge, demanding an urgent, nuanced, and comprehensive analysis to address its far-reaching consequences.
Part II: True, False or Not Given
Choose TRUE if the statement agrees with the information given, FALSE if the statement contradicts the information given and NOT GIVEN if there is no information on the statement.
11. The excessive use of digital devices has become a common phenomenon.
Evidence
TRUE

“…digital overconsumption can be commonly observed”

12. Digital overconsumption only affects young people.
Evidence
FALSE

“The issue has evolved into a global challenge, impacting people across various ages, genders, professions, and regions.”

13. Excessive screen time can negatively impact a person’s health both mentally and physically.
Evidence
TRUE

“…which can have detrimental effects on their physical, psychological, …”

14. Most people are not aware of how much time they spend on their digital devices.
Explanation
NOT GIVEN

The passage discusses the presence and impact of overconsumption, but it does not provide information regarding users’ awareness levels of their usage time.

15. Checking emails frequently is an example of digital overconsumption.
Evidence
TRUE

“From endless scrolling on social media to compulsively checking emails… increasingly more individuals find themselves tethered to their screens…”

16. Digital overconsumption is recognized to have impactful economic consequences.
Explanation
NOT GIVEN

While the text mentions “productivity”, it does not explicitly state that digital overconsumption is recognized for “impactful economic consequences”.

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