請依下文回答第 31 題至第 35 題
Nowadays, in public or private places, we tend to scroll mindlessly through our social media feeds when we
have a few spare minutes (or for some, hours). And as we probably know intuitively, and as the research is
confirming, it is not the best habit when it comes to our collective psychology.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has warned about the potential for negative effects of social media in young
kids and teens, including cyber-bullying and “Facebook depression.” But the same risks may be true for adults, across
generations. A review study suggests “Facebook Addiction Disorder” because addiction criteria, such as neglect of
personal life, mental preoccupation, escapism, mood modifying experiences, tolerance and concealing the addictive
behavior, appear to be present in some people who use social networks excessively. A study also shows when people stop
using the Internet, they also undergo small but measurable physiological effects.
Rather than enhancing well-being, as frequent interactions with supportive offline social networks powerfully
do, the current findings demonstrate that interacting with Facebook may predict the opposite result for young
adults—it may undermine it. In fact, another study found that social media use is linked to greater feelings of
social isolation, mentally and physically.
Facebook is also a jealousy generator. We fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others as we scroll
through our feeds, and make judgments about how we measure up. One study looked at how we make comparisons
to others posts, in “upward” or “downward” directions—that is, feeling that we are either worse or better off than
our friends. It turned out that both types of comparisons made people feel worse, which is surprising, since in real
life, only upward comparisons (feeling another person has it better than you) makes people feel bad. But in the
social network world, it seems that any kind of comparison is linked to depressive symptoms.
All of this is not to say that there is no benefit to social media—obviously it keeps us connected across great
distances, and helps us find people we had lost touch with years ago. But getting on social networks when you
have some time to kill, or, worse, need an emotional lift, is very likely a bad idea. If you are feeling brave, try
taking a little break, and see how it goes. And if you are going to keep “using,” then at least try to use in moderation.
【題組】35 According to this passage, which of the following statements is NOT true?
(A) When we are feeling brave, we should take a break and get rid of Facebook.
(B) From a collective psychology viewpoint, social networks have negative effects.
(C) While social networks benefit people in some ways, we should be more cautious using them.
(D) In Facebook posts, only upward comparisons may cause depressive symptoms.