C2-Level Reading: The Paradox of Digital Connection

Reading Passage

In an age where nearly every human interaction can be mediated through a screen, it has become increasingly difficult to determine whether technology is bringing us closer together or quietly pushing us further apart. The convenience of instant communication has undeniably broadened our social reach, allowing us to maintain relationships across vast distances and access knowledge with unprecedented ease. Yet this very accessibility has sparked concerns that our connections, while numerous, have grown thinner and less intentional.

One of the most striking paradoxes of the digital era is the shift from active engagement to passive observation. Social platforms that once encouraged dialogue have gradually turned into spaces where users silently consume curated glimpses of others’ lives. The result is a peculiar sense of hyperconnectivity paired with emotional detachment: we are surrounded by updates, images, and opinions, yet meaningful interaction has become increasingly rare.

Furthermore, the expectation of constant availability has blurred the line between personal time and digital presence. Notifications compete relentlessly for our attention, fragmenting our ability to focus or reflect. In this environment, attention becomes a finite resource—one that is continuously depleted by endless streams of information. Ironically, the tools designed to connect us may be contributing to a profound sense of disconnection from ourselves.

Still, the problem does not lie in technology itself but in the ways we have adapted—or failed to adapt—to its influence. By cultivating mindful digital habits, such as deliberate communication, intentional screen breaks, and selective content consumption, we may regain the depth and focus that modern life so often obscures. The challenge of our era is not to abandon digital tools, but to use them with greater awareness and agency.

Vocabulary List (English → English)

Word	Part of Speech	Definition
mediated	verb (past participle)	Handled or carried out through an intermediary, usually technology.
undeniably	adverb	In a way that cannot be否 disputed or questioned.
intentional	adjective	Done with purpose or deliberate planning.
paradox	noun	A situation that seems contradictory but reveals deeper meaning.
curated	adjective	Carefully selected and organized for a specific impression.
hyperconnectivity	noun	A state of constant and extensive digital connection.
detachment	noun	A lack of emotional involvement or sense of distancing.
fragmenting	verb	Breaking something into smaller, disconnected parts.
finite	adjective	Limited; not endless.
agency	noun	The ability to act independently and make deliberate choices.

Comprehension Questions

1. What central paradox about digital communication does the passage describe?
2. How have social platforms changed from their original purpose, according to the author?
3. In what ways does constant digital availability affect attention and emotional well-being?
4. What does the passage mean by the phrase “attention becomes a finite resource”?
5. What strategies does the author propose to encourage healthier digital habits?
6. Do you agree with the author’s view that the issue lies not in technology but in how we use it? Why or why not?