Final answer:
The word 'engage' used in paragraph 2 means to become actively involved or participate in political or civic activities. It extends beyond the dictionary definition, illustrating various methods of public involvement in social and political arenas.
Step-by-step explanation:
In this context, the definition of the word engage used in the sentence from paragraph 2 pertains to the idea of becoming actively involved or participating in political or civic activities. This manifestation of engagement aligns with actions such as writing to political representatives, filing complaints with the city council, responding to polls, contributing to blogs, and being active on social media platforms, all in an effort to influence or partake in public affairs and discussions. Therefore, the definition employed here is broader than simply involving oneself; it encompasses various forms of public involvement and active participation in social and political discourse.
These examples highlight the extended meaning of engagement, going beyond the basic dictionary definition to showcase its practical application in real-world scenarios. This form of engagement has gained significance with the rise of social media, which has changed the landscape of how individuals interact with one another and exercise their roles as members of a society or a political system.