B
Nowadays, kids may ask, “Before smartphones came out, what did people do when they got lost?” They are not just curious—they are exploring how phone culture is changing the way we think, feel, and act in the digital age.
In this digital age, kids have no experience of a “pre-internet mindset”. In the past, when we faced uncertainties, like not knowing the shortest path, or the answer to a question, we couldn’t get information easily like we do today. At that time, our brains had to adapt to that discomfort. We depended on our memory and came up with creative solutions. These cognitive(认知的) “workouts” strengthened attention and problem-solving skills.
Now, with the wide use of phones and the internet, answers come quickly. There’s less need to memorize routes or struggle through problems alone. This change makes many people worry about technology’s negative influence, and some even fall into a “deficit mindset”, believing everything was better in the past. For example, they might think writing letters is far better than messaging, while overlooking the amazing efficiency and connectivity that technology brings.
It’s true that some studies suggest heavy social media use can challenge our focus. Even a short screen time affects brain areas for self-control and decision-making. But this isn’t the whole story. New research, like a 2023 study on young adults, shows that technology also trains our brains in different ways. When dealing with new things, it easily connects us with different topics and cultures, making our minds more open and adaptable.
Therefore, instead of
gainsaying the advantages that are brought about by the digital age, we should recognize the natural adaptation of the human brain. In fact, people have developed the following three basic modes of thinking to deal with problems today:
Next time you face a problem, notice your natural response. Do you stand the uncertainty, reach for your phone, or find a middle path? There is no single “right” way to think, for each mode offers unique advantages that our complex world needs. Understanding how your mind has adapted to our digital environment might just be your greatest strength.
(
) 4. Why does the writer mention the kids’ question in paragraph 1?
A. To present kids’ curiosity about the past life.
B. To highlight the importance of phone culture.
C. To stress the benefits that are brought by smartphones.
D. To start the discussion of the influence of the digital age.
(
) 5. What does the underlined word “gainsaying” in paragraph 5 probably mean?
A. Sticking to.
B. Speaking against.
C. Giving in to.
D. Putting up with.
(
) 6. Which of the following would the writer most probably agree with?
A. Curiosity encourages people’s lifelong learning.
B. Using social media develops decision-making skills.
C. Recognizing cognitive strengths helps solve problems.
D. A “deficit mindset” improves efficiency and connectivity.
(
) 7. Which of the following would be the best title for the passage?
A. The influence of the digital world over attention
B. The workout of our brain to remain creative
C. The adaptation of our brain to the digital age
D. The changes of pre- and after-internet environment
