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British paychologists have found evidence of a link between excessive (过度的) Internet use and
depression, a research has shown.
Leeds University researchers, writing in the Psychopathology journal, said a small part of Internet
users were classed as Internet addicts and that people in this group were more likely to be depressed
than non-addicted users.
The article on the relationship between excessive Internet use and depression is from a
questionnaire-based study of 1,319 young people and adults.
The respondents answered questions about how much time they spent on the Internet and what they
used it for; they also complete the Beck Depression Inventory---a series of questions designed to
measure the seriousness of depression.
The six-page report,by the university's Institute of Psychological Science, said 18 of the people who
complete the questionnaire were Internet addict."Our research indicates that excessive Internet use is
associated with depression, but what we don't know is which comes first-are depressed people drawn
to the Internet or does the Internet cause depression?" the article's lead author Dr Catriona Morrison
said."What is clear is that, for a small part of people, excessive use of the Internet could be warning signal
for depressive tendencies."
The age range of all respondents was between 16 and 51 years, with an average age of 21.24. The
average age of the 18 Internet addicts was 18.3 years. By comparing the levels of depression within this
group to that within a group of 18 non-addicted Internet users, researchers found the Internet addicts
had a higher chance of developing depression than non-addicts. They also discovered that addicts spent
more time visiting sexually pleasing website, online gaming sites and online communities.
"The public speculation (推测) was further proved by this study. That's to say, over-engaging in
websites which serve to replace normal social function might be linked to psychological disorders like
depression and addiction," Morrison said."We now need to consider the wider social influence of this
relationship and clearly prove the effects of excessive Internet use on mental health."
1. Internet addicts are people who ______ according to the passage.
A. use the Internet more than enough
B. feel depressed when using the Internet
C. seldom connect to the Internet
D. feel depressed without the Internet
2. What is confirmed by the study according to the passage?
A. Depression leads to excessive use of Internet
B. Depression results from excessive use of Internet
C. Excessive use of internet usually accompanies depression
D. Excessive use of internet is usually earlier to depression
3. It is thought by the public that online communities______.
A. can never replace normal social function
B. are intended to replace normal social function
C. are associated with psychological disorders
D. shouldn't take the blame for psychological disorders
4. According to Dr Catriona Morrison, the public speculation________.
A. lacks scientific evidence
B. helps clarify their study
C. finds a theoretical basis
D. has little scientific value
