Question

read the paragraph about social media. social media outlets are often criticized as forums for unimportant postings and uninformed rants. though much of what is posted is conversational drivel, social media outlets also serve as springboards for entrepreneurs. creative people can advertise their designs or products at a low cost to a wider market than entrepreneurs have imagined in previous generations. the internet is the ultimate free marketplace, allowing motivated individuals to share their wares with the world. what is the controlling idea? every entrepreneur should advertise ones products on the internet. the internet has countless forums on which people share meaningless posts. social media has a valid purpose as an inexpensive, creative marketplace. advertising products on the internet is inexpensive compared to television.

Explanation:

The paragraph discusses both the negative aspects (criticized as forums for uninformed rants) and positive aspects (springboards for entrepreneurs, allowing individuals to share wares) of social - media. The overall idea is that social media has a valid purpose as an inexpensive creative marketplace despite its flaws.

Answer:

Social media has a valid purpose as an inexpensive, creative marketplace.