Why does social media trigger feelings of loneliness and inadequacy? Because instead of being real life, it is, for the most part, impression management, a way of marketing yourself, carefully choosing and filtering the picture and words to put your best face forward.

Online “friends” made through social media do not follow the normal psychological progression of a interpersonal relationship. You share neither physical time nor emotional conversations over the Internet. You simply communicate photographs and catchy posts to a diverse group of people whom you have “friended” or “followed” based on an accidental interaction. This is not to say that your social media friends can't be real friends. They absolutely can, but the two are not the same. Generally speaking, there are no unfiltered comments and casually taken photos on our social media pages. And, rightfully so, because it wouldn't feel safe to be completely authentic and vulnerable with some of our “friends” whom we don't actually know or with whom trust has yet to be built.

Social media can certainly be an escape from the daily routines, but we must be cautioned against the negative effects, such as addiction, on a person's overall psychological well-being.

As humans，we are eager for social connection. Scrolling (滚动) through pages of pictures and comments, however, does not provide the same degree of fulfillment as face to face interactions do. Also, we tend to idealize others' lives and compare our downfalls to their greatest accomplishments, ending in feelings of loneliness and inadequacy.

Social media can lead people on the unhealthy quest for perfection. Some people begin to attend certain events or travel to different places so that they can snap that “perfect” photo. They begin to seek validation through the number of people who “like” their posts. In order for it to play a psychologically healthy role in your social life, social media should supplement an already healthy social network. Pictures and posts should be byproducts of life's treasured moments and fun times, not the planned and calculated image that one is putting out into cyberspace in an attempt to fill insecurities or unmet needs.

Ultimately, social media has increased our ability to connect with various types of people all over the globe. It has opened doors for business and allowed us to stay connected to people whom we may not otherwise get to follow. However, social media should feel like a fun experience, not one that contributes to negative thoughts and feelings. If the latter is the case, increasing face to face time with trusted friends, and minimizing time scrolling online, will prove to be a reminder that your social network is much more rewarding than any “like”, “follow” or “share” can be.

Praise is like sunlight to the human spirit: we cannot flower and grow without it. And yet, while most of us are only too ready to apply to others the cold wind of criticism, we are somehow reluctant to give our fellows the warm sunshine of praise.

【小题1】 Perhaps it’s because few of us know how to accept compliments gracefully. Instead, we are embarrassed and shrug off the words we are really so glad to hear. Because of this defensive reaction, direct compliments are surprisingly difficult to give. That is why some of the most valued pats on the back are those which come to us indirectly, in a letter or passed on by a friend.

It’s especially rewarding to give praise in areas in which effort generally goes unnoticed or unmentioned. 【小题2】 A cook is praised for a perfect meal. But do you ever tell your laundry manager how pleased you are when the shirts are done just right? Do you ever praise your paperboy for getting the paper to you on time 365 days a year?

Praise is particularly appreciated by those doing routine jobs: gas station attendants, waitresses-even housewives.   【小题3】 Since so often praise is the only wage a housewife receives, surely she of all people should get her measure.

【小题4】 It only takes a moment’s thought and a moment’s effort perhaps a quick phone call to pass on a compliment, or five minutes spent writing an appreciative letter. It is such a small investment and yet consider the results it may produce. 【小题5】

So, let’s be alert to the small excellences around us and comment on them. We will not only bring joy into other people’s lives, but also, very often, add happiness into our own.

Teenagers do not always agree with adults. 【小题1】 But in a program in New York, adults and teenagers live together in a friendly way.

Each summer 200 teenagers and 50 adults are invited to join the program. 【小题2】 Every- one in the group works for seven hours a day. They not only keep busy, but also find meaning and happiness in work. Some teenagers work in the forest or on the farm. Some learn to make things like tables and chairs. 【小题3】

There are a few free hours each day, and weekends are free, too. During the free hours, some of the teenagers learn to take photos or paint pictures. Some sit around and talk, sing or dance. All in all, each teenager has his own way to spend his free time. 【小题4】 In this pro- gram the teenagers and the adults make the rules together. If someone breaks a rule, they will talk about it and ask: “What should we do about it?”

One teenager talks about his experience. “You stop thinking only about yourself. 【小题5】”