阅读理解。
Cyberspace, the connections between computers in different places, considered as a real place where
information, messages and pictures exist, mirrors the real world in many ways. People ask for information, play games, and share hobbies. Others buy and sell products. Still others look for friendship, or even
love.
Unlike the real world, however, your knowledge about a person is limited to words on a computer
screen. Identity and appearance mean very little in cyberspace. Rather, a person's thoughts-or at least the
thoughts they type-are what really count. So even the shyest person can become a chat room star.
Usually, this "faceless" communication doesn't create problems. Identity doesn't really matter when
you're in a chat room discussing politics or hobbies. In fact, this emphasis on the ideas themselves makes
the Internet a great place for exciting conversation. Where else can so many people come together to
chat? But some Internet users want more than just someone to chat with. They're looking for serious love
relationships. Is cyberspace a good place to find love? That answer depends on whom you ask. Some of
these relationships actually succeed. Others fail miserably.
Supporters of online relationships state that the Internet allows couples to get to know each other
intellectually first. Personal appearance doesn't get in the way. But critics of online relationships argue that
no one can truly know another person in cyberspace. Why? Because the Internet gives users a lot of
control over how others view them. Internet users can carefully craft their words to fit whatever image
they want to give. And they don't have to worry about what their "nonverbal" communication is doing for
their image. In a sense, they're not really themselves.
All of this may be fine if the relationship stays in cyberspace. But not knowing a person is a big
problem in a love relationship. With so many unknowns, it's easy to let one's imagination "fill in the
blanks." This inevitably leads to disappointment when couples meet in person. How someone imagines
an online friend is often quite more different than the real person. So, before looking for love in
cyberspace, remember the advice of Internet pioneer Clifford Stoll: "Life in the real world is far richer
than anything you'll find on a computer screen."
1. According to the passage, chatting in the cyberspace .
A. stresses more about people's identity
B. needs people to be rich in knowledge
C. puts emphasis on people's thoughts
D. allows people to discuss politics secretly
2. People who are against online dating think .
A. what is said online is under control of the Internet
B. one may not show the real self in cyberspace
C. the faceless communication is conservative
D. it is hard to protect the other's identity
3. By saying "With so many unknowns, it's easy to let one's imagination 'fill in the blanks'", the writer
means that .
A. people may be disappointed when they meet in person
B. the Internet makes it easy for people to imagine how others view them
C. the Internet allows people to get more information about their loved ones
D. people usually get to know each other by chance through the Internet
4. We can infer from the last paragraph that Clifford .
A. demands to develop the computer system
B. believes it hopeless to find love online
C. encourages people to enjoy modern life
D. supports to look for love in the real life
