• Psychology -> Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology

• 0 Comment

Is the excessive use of social media a cause of ADHD?

Emory Mattiessen

Well, let me tell you, my friend, the jury is still out on that one! It's a hotly debated topic in the world of neuroscience and psychology.

On one hand, there's a school of thought that says excessive social media use can lead to ADHD-like symptoms. Proponents of this theory argue that the constant scrolling, notifications, and digital distractions can rewire our brains in such a way that we become more easily distracted and have trouble focusing. Some studies have even suggested that social media use can alter the brain's structure, particularly in areas related to attention and self-control.

On the other hand, there are those who say that social media use doesn't actually cause ADHD per se, but rather that people with ADHD are more likely to be drawn to social media as a way to self-medicate. According to this theory, the stimulation and engagement of social media can be particularly appealing to people with ADHD who are seeking a quick dopamine hit.

So, what's the answer? Well, it's complicated, as is often the case with matters of the brain. It's certainly true that excessive social media use can be detrimental to one's mental health, regardless of whether or not ADHD is involved. Studies have shown that heavy social media users are more likely to experience feelings of anxiety, depression, and FOMO (fear of missing out), among other things.

But whether or not social media use is actually causing ADHD is a different question altogether. While it's possible that excessive use could contribute to symptoms, it's also possible that people with ADHD are just more susceptible to the addictive qualities of social media.

At the end of the day, I think it's important to be mindful of our social media consumption and to recognize when it's becoming a problem. If you're finding that you're spending more time on Instagram than on important tasks or that you're feeling increasingly anxious or depressed after scrolling through your feeds, it might be time to take a break and reassess your priorities. And if you do suspect that you have ADHD, it's important to seek professional help so that you can get the support and treatment that you need.

But for now, the debate rages on! Who knows what the next study will reveal? In the meantime, I'll be over here scrolling through my feed, trying to multi-task like a pro (spoiler alert: I'm not).