【大学受験対策】英語長文問題66（インターネット）358語＋和訳・解答解説

The rise of the internet has revolutionized how people access, share, and perceive knowledge. Where once libraries and formal education were the primary gateways to information, we now live in a world where vast amounts of data are just a click away. This digital shift has transformed not only how knowledge is distributed but also how it is defined and trusted.

On the one hand, the internet has democratized access to information. Individuals from remote areas can now watch university lectures, read scientific journals, and join global discussions. Educational resources that were once limited to privileged institutions are now open to anyone with a stable connection. This unprecedented access has empowered self-learners, encouraged lifelong education, and promoted global awareness.

However, the abundance of online information also presents serious challenges. Not all content is reliable, and distinguishing fact from opinion—or even from intentional misinformation—can be difficult. Social media platforms, for instance, can amplify false narratives that appear credible simply because they are widely shared. This forces users to develop new skills: not just critical thinking, but also digital literacy and source evaluation.

Moreover, the internet has altered the way people remember and value knowledge. With search engines like Google always at hand, individuals may no longer feel the need to retain facts themselves. Psychologists refer to this as “cognitive offloading,” where people rely on digital tools instead of memory. While this frees mental space for problem-solving and creativity, it also raises concerns about attention spans and deep understanding.

Another shift is the collaborative nature of knowledge online. Wikipedia, open-source platforms, and academic forums allow for collective creation and refinement of content. This challenges traditional notions of authority, where a single expert voice was once seen as definitive. Now, knowledge is often negotiated and updated in real time by multiple contributors.

In short, the internet has made knowledge more accessible, dynamic, and collaborative—but also more complex and, at times, less trustworthy. As digital natives, today’s students must learn not only to find information but to question it, verify it, and engage with it critically. In doing so, they become not just consumers of knowledge but active participants in shaping it.

Q1. How has the internet transformed the distribution of knowledge?

1. It limits global communication to academic circles and major libraries only.
2. It reinforces traditional gatekeepers who control how information may spread.
3. It shifts knowledge distribution beyond libraries to immediate online availability.
4. It reduces the volume of data people encounter in research.

Q2. According to the passage, what new responsibility do students hold today?

1. They must critically verify information rather than consume it passively.
2. They should memorize vast facts instead of using any online search.
3. They are expected to abandon collaborative platforms and trust single experts.
4. They must avoid participating in forums that debate scientific developments openly.

Q3. Which of the following statements is NOT presented in the passage?

1. Internet algorithms always prioritize peer-reviewed research above entertainment or opinion.
2. Online lectures grant remote learners unprecedented access to university level education.
3. Social platforms can magnify false stories that appear convincingly factual.
4. Collaborative websites let multiple contributors refine content continuously in real time.