The American Psychological Association’s annual Stress in America survey has highlighted, what they call, a “crisis of connection”. The survey finds that 62% of adults find social division a significant source of stress in their lives. Moreover, half of Americans report feelings of emotional disconnection. What is to be done?

Start by connecting with yourself. This may seem like odd advice, given that we struggle to connect with others, but understanding ourselves and our emotional needs is an important starting point. We must realize what is missing from our lives before we start to remedy it. By being honest with ourselves and working on our core sense of self, we are in a better position to make the relationships in our lives mutually beneficial and two-sided.

Connect with nature in order to be more grounded and less stressed overall. Being in and around “green spaces” can be beneficial in reducing both physical and psychological distress. Because when we are stressed, we are less likely to be receptive to a healthy mutual connection with those around us. It is also an important part of self-care, which better positions us to have healthy, rewarding connections with others.

Reduce fake connection. Social media was developed in order to connect us with others, and in some ways, it does. However, if we are looking for real, meaningful connection, social media can be a mirage that never delivers. A 2023 study found that those who use social media with the intent of maintaining relationships feel lonelier than those who use it for other reasons. In order to truly connect, we clearly need to get off our screens and into the real world.

Increase real connection. For my patients seeking connection, I recommend the following: First, take stock of your current relationships. If you are spending time and energy on a relationship that is toxic or draining, consider reducing contact or setting appropriate boundaries with them. Then, take action. This is a great time to join a hiking group or enroll in a class. See what is happening in your local community and consider making an appearance. Thus, it is crucial to try a new and different approach.

1.1.Why does the author call the advice “odd” in Paragraph 2?

A It is overly simple and common.

B It contradicts psychological principles.

C It is difficult for most people to follow.

D It seems unrelated to the main problem.

解析：选D。D细节理解题。作者在第二段开头提出“Start by connecting with yourself”，并称这一建议“may seem like odd advice”，随后解释原因：“given that we struggle to connect with others”。鉴于文章主要讨论的是“与他人建立联系”的危机，而建议却从“连接自己”入手，这表面上看似与主要问题无关，因此显得“奇怪”。选项B“It seems unrelated to the main problem.”准确体现了这一推理。选项A、B、C在文中均未提及，故排除。故选D。

2.2. According to the author, why is reducing stress important for building connections?

A Stressed people prefer solitude.

B Stress hinders healthy mutual engagement.

C Stress causes physical distance between people.

D Stressed individuals lack communication tools.

解析：选B。B细节理解题。文章第三段明确陈述：“when we are stressed, we are less likely to be receptive to a healthy mutual connection with those around us.” 这意味着压力会降低我们接受健康相互连接的可能性，从而阻碍健康的相互参与。选项B“Stress hinders healthy mutual engagement.”直接对应这一细节。选项A、C、D在文中没有依据，故排除。故选B。

3.3.In Paragraph 4, the underlined word “mirage” most likely means ________.

A reality

B fantasy

C scenery

D mistake

解析：选B。B词义猜测题。第四段中，作者指出社交媒体虽然旨在连接人们，但若追求真实有意义的连接，它可能成为“a mirage that never delivers”。后文进一步说明，使用社交媒体维持关系的人反而更孤独，真正连接需要“离开屏幕”。因此，“mirage”在此比喻社交媒体带来的连接感是虚幻的、不真实的，就像海市蜃楼一样看似存在实则无法实现。选项B“fantasy”（幻想）最符合这一语境。故选B。

4.4. What is the author’s primary advice for addressing the “crisis of connection”?

A Prioritizing digital communication.

B Reducing all forms of social interaction.

C Ignoring stressful relationships entirely.

D Engaging in self-care and real-world social activities.

解析：选D。D主旨大意题。文章整体围绕解决“连接危机”提出多项建议：第二段强调“连接自己”（自我认知），第三段主张“连接自然”（减轻压力），第四段建议“减少虚假连接”（如社交媒体），第五段提倡“增加真实连接”（如参与现实活动）。最后一段具体推荐“join a hiking group or enroll in a class”等现实社交活动。综合来看，作者的核心建议是通过自我护理和现实世界的社交活动来应对危机。选项D“Engaging in self-care and real-world social activities.”全面概括了这一主旨。选项A与文章“减少虚假连接”的建议相反；选项B和C过于绝对，与文章内容不符，故排除。故选D。