You scroll through Instagram and like every post you see. You read an acquaintance’s story as soon as they post it. You leave a comment on a post or two. Then it hits you: Didn’t you just leave a comment on that person’s post yesterday? And the day before that? And last week?

An Instagram creep is someone who offers unprompted significant attention online to certain individuals they’ve taken an interest in. It is a strategy to send a signal of affection -whether it is to a romantic partner, or a close friend, but it can also be perceived as being too much, too interested and too involved. At worst, it might be seen as being possessive, as the person absolutely has to be the first to comment, to establish his importance in front of others.

However, not every Instagram creep has the same intentions, with some lighthearted and innocent. “For example, people who have a higher frequency of being online may have a higher likelihood of seeing the posts quickly, “said Maryanne Fisher, a psychology professor at St.Mary’s University in Canada. “In a way, it could be simply an exposure effect.”

“If you feel like you’re the creeper, there’s a quick way to fix the problem. Resisting the urge to comment or like every post would be helpful,” Fisher said. It’s important to be aware that while you might be doing it to express affection, it can be perceived as being possessive. You should ask yourself what your intention is. What need is getting met by that behavior? If it makes the recipient feel uncomfortable and excessive, that should be attended to. If it’s a pattern and if it’s a “need”, then there might be something more significant going on.

All told, remember that anything you put on the Internet has consequences. If you think you’re being creepy even for a second, take time to separate yourself from it.

【小题1】Who is likely to be an Instagram creep?

A．An old man unfamiliar with social media.

B．A young guy having a preference for a certain brand.

C．A woman having a tendency to talk online with friends.

D．An adult who is paying special attention to his friend’s Instagram update.

【小题2】What is Para.3 of the text mainly about?

A．Ways to fix the problem.

B．Effects on the recipients.

C．Possible reasons for being creepy.

D．Differences between serious and lighthearted creepers.

【小题3】What effect might a creeper have on the person being “creeped”on?

A．The person likes the behaviour.

B．The person wasn’t aware of that.

C．The person might not feel at ease.

D．The person might feel like the creeper.

【小题4】What does the author want to express in this passage?

A．Less is more.

B．Look before you leap.

C．Love me,love my dog.

D．Put the cart before the horse.