III. Discourse (5%)       Before the COVID-19 pandemic, public-health experts were concerned about anepidemic of loneliness in the U.S. The coronavirus has exacerbated that problem, with mostface-to-face socializing still limited to members of people’s own households. For the 35.7million Americans who live alone, that means no meaningful social contact at all, potentiallyfor months on end. Experts are rightly concerned about the mental health ramifications of thiswidespread isolation, especially since there’s no agreed-upon tipping point at which acuteloneliness transitions into a chronic stress with long-term consequences. __21__.       Technology has emerged as an imperfect solution. Video-chat platforms like Zoom aresurging in popularity, and nearly every social media network is billing itself as a way to stayconnected with friends virtually. There are also community groups attempting to make digitalcommunication more meaningful. Some existed before COVID-19 but have expanded to meetsurging demand, like Let’s Be Authentic, a Philadelphia-area social group that pairs upmembers for weekly video chats and communication exercises. __22__ “They know someoneis there for them should they need it, and that alone makes you feel good,” a participant says.But research suggests not everyone benefits equally from digital interactions. __23__ Yet,interestingly, research shows that loneliness may subside for younger adults when they reducetheir social-media usage. Endless scrolling through other people's social-media posts makesyoung people feel left out. __24__ In ValuePenguin’s recent survey, 10% of respondents saidvideo chats only make them feel lonelier.       COVID-19 is making loneliness easier to talk about, which could encourage people whostruggle with it to seek help or reach out to connections they do have. There’s a certain amountof stigma attached to any mental illness. Loneliness can be uniquely uncomfortable to talkabout. __25__ In one 1992 Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin study, for example,participants rated a fictional lonely person as less likable, social, competent and attractivethan a non-lonely person. Experts hope that the fact that loneliness is now mainstream andeasier than ever to talk about will finally change that perception. (AB) It has seen a noticeable uptick in use of its online programs in which any elderly personwho signs up gets a personalized weekly phone call from a volunteer.(AC) Several studies have found that tools like video chats and instant messages may helpelderly adults feel less lonely, especially if they’re physically isolated from others andcannot otherwise socialize.(AD) In the current context, digital interaction is just as important for quelling that stressresponse as physical behaviors like getting enough sleep, exercising, and following abalanced diet.(AE) It can feel like a personal failing to admit you don't have the social network you want,and there’s a tendency for others to blame the victim.(BC) It may be because it's replacing valuable in-person moments； under COVID-19 lockdown,social media may simply serve as a painful reminder of their loved ones’ physical absence.(BD) A group of doctors from Harvard Medical School even warned that physical distancingand stress caused by the pandemic, combined with rising firearm sales, could worsen thesuicide crisis the U.S. has been weathering for more than a decade.
【題組】21.(AB) It has seen a noticeable uptick in use of its online programs in which any elderly person who signs up gets a personalized weekly phone call from a volunteer. (AC) Several studies have found that tools like video chats and instant messages may help elderly adults feel less lonely, especially if they’re physically isolated from others and cannot otherwise socialize. (AD) In the current context, digital interaction is just as important for quelling that stress response as physical behaviors like getting enough sleep, exercising, and following a balanced diet. (AE) It can feel like a personal failing to admit you don't have the social network you want, and there’s a tendency for others to blame the victim. (BC) It may be because it's replacing valuable in-person moments； under COVID-19 lockdown, social media may simply serve as a painful reminder of their loved ones’ physical absence. (BD) A group of doctors from Harvard Medical School even warned that physical distancing and stress caused by the pandemic, combined with rising firearm sales, could worsen the suicide crisis the U.S. has been weathering for more than a decade.