We cannot seem to resist the lure of our cell phones, even when we are in the company of others. Apparently, we have sacrificed conversation for connection. At home, families sit together texting and reading emails. At work, executives text during board meetings. We also text when we're on dates. Walking through a college library or the campus of a high-tech company, one sees an identical scenario: People are together, but each of them is in their own bubble, furiously connected to keyboards and tiny touch screens.It's true we've already become accustomed to a new way of being "alone together". Technology-enabled, we are able to be with one another, and also elsewhere, connected to wherever we want to be. We've been used to the idea of being in a tribe of one, loyal to our own party. In the silence of connection, we are comforted by being in touch with "invisible" friends and significant others, not too close, nor too far, just right.Online connection is often a deceptive illusion in which we cheat ourselves, assuming we're not alone. Worse, over time we'll stop caring and forget there is a difference between online connection and face-to-face conversation. We are tempted to think that our little "sips" of online connection add up to a big swallow of real conversation. No, they don't. Even though all of these sips have their places -- in politics, commerce, romance, and friendship -- it's impossible for them to substitute for real conversation, where people exchange ideas and share viewpoints dynamically.Real conversation, on the other hand, is a more informative process, in which we're more caring and observant. We hesitate and pause and go silent, and we reveal ourselves to one another through tones and nuances. Face-to-face conversation, by contrast, unfolds slowly, so it teaches us patience. In addition, our move from conversation means diminished opportunities to learn skills of self-reflection. It is through the conversation with trusted others that we learn to converse with ourselves -- to be honest with ourselves.11. What phenomenon does the author describe in the first paragraph?A) People are addicted to playing mobile games in public.B) People prioritize digital connection over face-to-face conversation.C) Families rarely spend time together due to busy work schedules.D) High-tech companies encourage employees to use digital devices.12. What does the phrase "alone together" mean according to the passage?A) Being physically present but mentally focused on digital connections.B) Living alone but having many online friends.C) Feeling lonely even when surrounded by people.
We cannot seem to resist the lure of our cell phones, even when we are in the company of others. Apparently, we have sacrificed conversation for connection. At home, families sit together texting and reading emails. At work, executives text during board meetings. We also text when we're on dates. Walking through a college library or the campus of a high-tech company, one sees an identical scenario: People are together, but each of them is in their own bubble, furiously connected to keyboards and tiny touch screens.
It's true we've already become accustomed to a new way of being "alone together". Technology-enabled, we are able to be with one another, and also elsewhere, connected to wherever we want to be. We've been used to the idea of being in a tribe of one, loyal to our own party. In the silence of connection, we are comforted by being in touch with "invisible" friends and significant others, not too close, nor too far, just right.
Online connection is often a deceptive illusion in which we cheat ourselves, assuming we're not alone. Worse, over time we'll stop caring and forget there is a difference between online connection and face-to-face conversation. We are tempted to think that our little "sips" of online connection add up to a big swallow of real conversation. No, they don't. Even though all of these sips have their places -- in politics, commerce, romance, and friendship -- it's impossible for them to substitute for real conversation, where people exchange ideas and share viewpoints dynamically.
Real conversation, on the other hand, is a more informative process, in which we're more caring and observant. We hesitate and pause and go silent, and we reveal ourselves to one another through tones and nuances. Face-to-face conversation, by contrast, unfolds slowly, so it teaches us patience. In addition, our move from conversation means diminished opportunities to learn skills of self-reflection. It is through the conversation with trusted others that we learn to converse with ourselves -- to be honest with ourselves.
11. What phenomenon does the author describe in the first paragraph?
A) People are addicted to playing mobile games in public.
B) People prioritize digital connection over face-to-face conversation.
C) Families rarely spend time together due to busy work schedules.
D) High-tech companies encourage employees to use digital devices.
12. What does the phrase "alone together" mean according to the passage?
A) Being physically present but mentally focused on digital connections.
B) Living alone but having many online friends.
C) Feeling lonely even when surrounded by people.