2 . When Senait Lara, a 28-year-old video producer, was questioned by her friends about her lack of communication in their group chat, the blames were as follows: she only caught up every few days; when she did, it was hardly an interaction — Lara spent time “liking” messages instead of responding with words and sometimes she would never respond at all. Lara didn’t deny it. She knew she sometimes preferred to completely avoid her phone rather than deal with a large number of requests. Actually, in person, Lara felt comfortable talking with people, but when communication came down to a text message or an email, she wanted to tap out.

While social media and messaging apps keep us more connected to each other, many younger users are finding themselves tired out from receiving constant notices and carrying on conversations that can last all day. The after-effect? Delayed responses, forgetting to get back to someone entirely, and a need for frequent breaks.

In fact, a 2023 study exploring the effects of information overload and online conversation dynamics (动态) found that “over-exposure to information can suppress the possibility of response by overloading users.”

Smartphones have quickly changed into handheld storage units for our conversations, thoughts, music and everything else. That shift to feeling constantly attached to our phones as if they were a limb relates to the burnout, says psychologist Emily Balcetis.

As the pressure to be online and always available continues to grow in our society, in-person interactions provide far more real communication than digital ones. From body language to eye contact and all the other social clues that exist in real life that aren’t available in a text message, it’s far easier to be present when you’re face-to-face. As Balcetis notes, “At the end of the day, I think what we’re looking for is not more ways to stay connected, but higher quality ways to be connected.”

The Water-Splashing Festival, also     1     (know) as Buddha Bathing Ceremony, is the New Year’s celebration of the Dai ethnic minority in Yunnan Province. For Dai people, the annual Water-Splashing Festival is the most important holiday, attracting tens of thousands of locals and     2     (tour).

Jinghong, the capital of Dai Autonomous Prefecture, usually     3     (celebrate) it from Aprill3 to 15. On the first two days, a grand celebration marks the beginning of the festival. An outdoor market is set up,     4     locals come for new-year shopping. At night, the banks of the river are     5     (colorful) lit, and locals float river lanterns on the river. The third day     6     (reserve) for water splashing. The Dai people will put     7     their newest and best clothes, and then gather at the local Buddhist temple. It isn’t until people splash the Buddha statue with clear water     8     they can flock to the streets, parks or squares with pots or bottles, to splash each other with water.

For Dai people, water is     9     symbol of holiness, goodness and purity. Therefore, splashing others with water during the Water-Splashing Festival is     10     (wish) that person good luck and happiness.

Wearing traditional Chinese clothing while visiting scenic spots     1     (become) a popular activity among young people in China in recent years. Passengers     2     (dress) in traditional Chinese attire could ride the subway for free for about one week in Suzhou city, during this year’s Spring Festival holiday.     3     a result, the horse-faced skirt,     4     is a type of Hanfu, became a hit among young people during the holiday.

People used     5     (think) that wearing traditional Chinese clothing while walking down a street was strange. But now, people are getting used to seeing     6     (passer-by) in traditional clothes. People born in     7     1990s and 2000s like to wear traditional clothing when     8    (travel) because they have realized that     9     (they) cultural identity is related to Hanfu and it has become a fashion. The popularity of     10     (tradition) Chinese costumes will continue to grow.

10 . While you may get flowers or a card from the one you love on Valentine’s Day, it can be hard to know how our four-legged friends feel about us.     1    . Here are signs that your dog loves you.

Happy greeting

It’s great to be welcomed home by our pet and your dog isn’t doing this to show welcome to you;     2    . This is also the case if your dog greets you when they are already wrapped up in another activity, like playing or eating. It is known to all how much they like their treats, so you know you’re well-loved if they choose you over that!

    3    

When your pet chooses to look at you with soft, relaxed eyes, they trust you and are happy in your company, accepting you as non-threatening. And, it could be argued, that trust is the highest form of love.

Hugs (on your pet’s terms)

Your dog can choose to curl up wherever they like, so when they hug you, they are actively choosing you. This can range from full body hugs to them leaning into you to ask for some love. However, any hug must always be on your pet’s conditions and personalities.     4    .

Tail wagging

A wagging tail can display a whole range of emotions from your dog, but you’ll know it’s a sign of love when they treat you to a full body wiggle. Their tail will turn around in circular movements like helicopter propellers (螺旋桨).     5    .

Licking you

Your dog may lick you for a variety of reasons, but one of them is affection and love. They are ultimately seeking attention from you because they want to interact with you.