While it may be commonplace, snubbing（冷落） one's friends can have serious impacts on relationships, and there are a variety of factors that may drive individuals to ignore their friends in favor of an electronic screen, according to a new University of Georgia study.
The study reveals positive associations between negative moods and social discomfort and increasing snubbing: people in low spirits are likely to snub their friends more
frequently, and socially anxious people, who prefer online social interactions, might also exhibit more snubbing behavior. These people are really sensitive to their messages. With each buzz or sound, they consciously or unconsciously look at their phones. The device's various applications are key drivers contributing to this dynamic.
The finding also shows that agreeable individuals have a lower instance of snubbing in the presence of their friends. People who have agreeableness as a personality feature tend to show cooperative, polite and friendly behaviors in their interpersonal relationships and social settings. Though agreeable people may prioritize strong friendships, an exploratory study reveals they are also more likely to turn to phones in the presence of three or more people.
That dynamic may influence the spread of snubbing in the context of a work environment. “It’s ironic（讽刺的） that while so many people believe that snubbing behavior is rude, they still do it,” Sun said. “A majority of people snub others, and in a group, it may seem OK, because it’s just me. The speaker doesn’t notice I’m using the phone. The number of people in a group can be one reason.”
Alternately, disabling or turning over a phone can indicate a show of respect for a situation and focus on a person. That, too, is a signal—I am listening to what you are saying and I am focusing on you.
12. What can cause snubbing behavior? ()
A. Social requirements.
B. Unhealthy mental condition.
C. Frequent social interactions.
D. Limited communication devices.
13. What can be inferred about agreeable people? ()
A. They are insensitive to phone messages.
B. They are more likely to snub their friends.
C. They attach importance to firm friendships.
D. They get accustomed to groups with more people.
14. Why do some people continue snubbing behavior even if they know it’s rude? ()
A. The majority are using phones.
B. They don’t like the environment.
C. The speaker doesn’t care about it.
D. They think they will go unnoticed.
15. What can be a suitable title for the text? ()
A. How Snubbing Behaviors Can Be Avoided
B. Why People Are Addicted to Phone Messages
C. Why People Snub Their Friends with Their Phones
D. How Phones Influence People’s Social Interactions

语篇解读 本文是一篇说明文。文章主要从心理特征、环境因素以及技术诱因等多个维度介绍了为什么人们会因使用手机冷落了自己的朋友。
12. B 细节理解题。根据第二段“The study reveals positive associations... snubbing behavior.”可知,不健康的精神状态会导致冷落行为。故选B。
13. C 推理判断题。根据第三段“Though agreeable people may prioritize strong friendships”可知,和蔼可亲的人重视牢固的友谊。故选C。
14. D 细节理解题。根据倒数第二段“It's ironic(讽刺的) that while... I'm using the phone.”可知,为什么有些人明知道这很粗鲁,但还要继续冷落别人是因为他们认为自己没有被注意到。故选D。
15. C 标题归纳题。根据第一段内容以及下文从心理特征、环境因素以及技术诱因等多个维度介绍了为什么人们因使用手机冷落了自己的朋友可知,C项“为什么人们因使用手机冷落了自己的朋友”适合作文章的标题。故选C。