Technology has become a basic part of our lives. It has transformed our lives in many ways. It makes life more convenient for us: we can send messages quickly via the Internet, cook meals in a few minutes in a microwave, and book train tickets online instead of walking to the station. However, in our increasingly technology driven world, have we become addicted to technology?

Not too long ago, many children enjoyed reading a good book in their spare time. Nowadays, adolescents are more likely to be seen playing video games or watching television. Similarly, sending letters has become a thing of the past. It has been replaced by e­mails, instant messaging and social media. I think this is a huge shame；for me, there's nothing better than receiving a letter in the post. It shows someone has taken the time to sit down and write something; this is much more personal than a conversation online. For some people—especially the older generation—new methods of communication aren't so accessible. I regularly send letters and postcards to my grandma to keep her updated with my life in France; I also send them to my boyfriend and sister.

The presence of social media has, in some respects, turned us into antisocial beings. Instead of meeting up with friends and seeing them face to face, we now spend a lot of time communicating online. Although online communication has its advantages, enabling us to keep in touch with loved ones in different countries, we shouldn't forget the value of real-life human interaction.

Admittedly, I spend a lot of time using technology. I rely on the Internet and my laptop to plan lessons for my classes. I use WIFI on my phone to send messages via apps such as Viber and Snapchat. That said, when I'm on holiday, it is nice to switch it all off and have a break. Taking a break from technology is liberating.

Ways to Track Your Personal Health Information on Your Phone

Your smartphone is a powerful and flexible tool for acquiring information related to your health. 【小题1】 There are other various ways that allow the user several approaches for acquiring health information.

● 【小题2】The sensors (传感器) built in to your phone can automatically acquire selected types of health information when they are linked to suitable apps. Thus, the apps take advantage of the phone's stock hardware to deliver specialized health-related functions. 【小题3】 Numerous apps use the phone's GPS to track outdoor activities like running or walking. A handful of apps also use the accelerometer (加速度计) to track indoor activities like treadmill running，which would be impossible to measure with the GPS.

● Acquire information with a separate health sensor. The smartphone itself is a wonder of modern technology. 【小题4】 Here are a few devices you can connect with your phone to track health information: Activity trackers like the fitbit, blood pressure monitor, heart rhythm monitor. Comprehensive platforms like Apple's Health app make it easy to tie all this information together.

● Link to your electronic health records. Much of your health information may be stored in electronic health records maintained by your health care providers. 【小题5】You can access your health records through a patient portal (入口) on your phone or download it with the Blue Button function.

“Funny”, a made-in-China emoji, seems to have recently moved beyond China. Now, it is more than an emoji, but a cultural expansion.

Reaching Global Markets

A series of “funny” emoji-based bolsters (抱枕) have attracted the attention of Japanese customers. Even if one bolster is more than three times as expensive as in China, it doesn’t kill their desires to buy it. One Japanese customer Miki said, “They are just so cute and I bought three bolsters at one time for my family. And every time I see them, my mood just brightens suddenly.”

A Japanese netizen Kiro Kara said, “I think the emoji implies very complicated meanings. My dad will send it when he doesn’t agree with someone but he has to say something and behave politely.”

Addition to Domestic Social Media

Compared with Japanese impressions of the “funny” emoji, Chinese netizens prefer to use the emoji to tease one another on social media.

One commonly seen online comment is, “We strongly suggest stopping the usage of the emoji. Because every time other people send me the emoji, I feel very uncomfortable and consider myself as a fool.”

Regarded as the most popular emoji, the “funny” emoji has received much attention since its release in 2013. In fact, the “funny” emoji is the updated version of its original one; “funny” has a smiley mouth, two eyebrows and a naughty look. All these characteristics present users a sense of satire (讽刺).

In Everyday Use Abroad

It’s not the first time the Chinese emoji takes the world stage. Earlier this year, one emoji from the Chinese basketball celebrity Yao Ming has been spread through the Middle East region. In a city in southern Egypt, Yao’s smiling emoji has appeared frequently in local traffic signs to remind people the road ahead is one-way. Many locals do not know Yao Ming but are familiar with his emoji and nickname “Chinese Funny Face”.

As a new online language, emojis have become a necessary part of people’s daily life, helping people express their views in a more vivid and precise way. Also, it can help foreigners learn about Chinese culture. But how to properly use “the fifth innovation in China” without hurting others and turn them into commercial advantages still need answers.

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