A Modern Problem: Internet Addiction現代人的「癮」憂 The entire internet can fit in a human hand, and some people just can’t put it down. 整個網路世界都能握之在手,而有些人更是對它愛不釋手。
People really love their mobile phones. A smartphone is basically the whole internet in a pocket-sized device. It is a tool for communication and a source of entertainment. Most people are able to put their phones away when they are finished. But some people feel the constant need to be on their phone, scrolling through social media, surfing the web, or playing mobile games. This is internet addiction. Internet addiction is a real and growing problem. Like addiction to other unhealthy behavior, internet addiction has real physical and psychological▼ dangers. Addicts who are not able to access the internet might feel anxious or depressed. However, with access, the addict may ignore important events or responsibilities. Despite the internet’s ability to connect people, addicts might start to feel lonely or isolated. Given how new internet addiction is, doctors are still trying to understand the problem and how to help. Right now, people are trying therapy▼ and other traditional methods to overcome the addiction. Meanwhile, one small town in America offers a potential (but extreme) solution: a complete cellphone and Wi-Fi ban▼.
1. device n. 設備,裝置 The lazy person wished someone would invent a device that did his work for him. 那個懶惰蟲希望有人能發明一個可替他完成工作的裝置。 2. behavior n. 行為,舉止(不可數) John’s reckless behavior gave rise to endless trouble for his parents. 約翰魯莽的行為替父母帶來無止盡的麻煩。 3. anxious a. 焦慮的 It is normal for students to get anxious before exams. 學生在考試前感到焦慮是很正常的。 4. depressed a. 憂鬱的,消沈的 After yet another failed relationship, Teddy felt depressed and needed someone to talk to. 在又一次的失敗戀情後,泰迪感到憂鬱且需要找人聊聊。 5. responsibility n. 責任 Dalia should take on more responsibility now that she is the head of the department. 既然達莉雅成了部門主管,她就應該承擔更多責任。 6. given prep. 有鑑於/考慮到…… Given his young age, Otis has performed remarkably well. 考慮到他年紀輕輕,奧提斯表現已經是出奇的好了。 * remarkably adv. 了不起地,非凡地 7. overcome vt. 克服(三態為:overcome, overcame, overcome) Liam has worked hard to overcome his stutter. 連恩努力克服了自己的結巴。 * stutter n. 結巴,口吃 8. potential a. 潛在的,可能的 The new drug has yet to be approved due to some potential side effects. 這種新藥物有一些潛在的副作用,因此尚未通過核准。
▼ psychological a. 心理(學)的 ▼ therapy n. 療法 ▼ ban n. 禁止
★ addict 家族 addict 這個字跟「癮」有關,除了本身自成一單字外,亦能衍伸出其他字彙,須特別注意其差別及用法。 1. addict 為名詞,表「成癮者;入迷的人」。 例 Sharon is a chocolate addict; she refuses to eat any dessert without it. 莎朗超愛吃巧克力;她拒吃任何不含巧克力的甜點。 2. addicted為形容詞,表「成癮的;沉溺的」,常見用法如下: be / become addicted to N/V-ing 對……上癮;沉溺於…… 例 Mr. Chen was addicted to gambling. As a result, he gambled his life away. 陳先生沉迷賭博。最後也賭輸了人生。 Being addicted to alcohol has damaged a lot of people’s health. 酗酒已經對很多人的健康造成傷害。 3. addictive 也是形容詞,表「會使人上癮/沉迷的」。 例 Research shows junk food can be just as addictive as drugs. 研究顯示垃圾食物可以跟藥物一樣能使人成癮。 4. addiction為名詞,表「上癮(的症狀/情形)」,常與介詞 to 並用。 例 Olivia has an addiction to love; she is always looking to get into a new relationship. 奧莉維亞對愛情上癮;她總是想談新戀情。