Author: Olivia Bowen
Artist: Bella Marwick
Editor: Dina Vafakish Sistani
Over the last decade, the number of ADHD diagnoses has skyrocketed, with figures almost doubling from 6% in the 1990s to 10% by 2016, with this number only predicted to increase. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, better known as ADHD, is a childhood neurodevelopmental condition categorised by a lack of attention and excessive activity. Although there are several factors thought to contribute to this increase, one hidden culprit has recently emerged as a key driver: social media.
The rise in ADHD diagnoses remains an ongoing debate, with several factors attributed to the increase. Improved awareness is a commonly cited reason, with doctors and patients alike having a better understanding of the condition compared to previous decades. This has led to individuals who were previously overlooked now receiving a diagnosis. Girls, in particular, have begun to receive more diagnoses, a group which has been historically underreported. This is thought to be due to differences in symptom presentation, whereby the typically inattentive symptoms in girls are overlooked.
Nonetheless, a growing body of research is surfacing regarding the link between social media and ADHD diagnoses. Studies indicate that problematic use of social media is closely associated with symptoms of inattention and, to some extent, impulsivity. On a more general level, additional research has also shown that screen time is correlated with later ADHD symptoms, although the strength of this correlation varies.
Moreover, social media is also thought to indirectly contribute to ADHD diagnoses. This is because an increased amount of screen time causes a more sedentary lifestyle, as well as issues such as sleep deprivation due to staying up late on social media. In turn, this behaviour leads to physical symptoms of lethargy and decreased focus, meaning that individuals may mistake a reduced attention span caused by a lack of sleep for symptoms of ADHD.
Finally, social media contributes to an increased awareness about mental health, which, in turn, impacts the rate of diagnoses. This is especially true for ADHD, with the ADHD hashtag reaching the top 10 ‘health’ hashtags on TikTok in 2021. As previously mentioned, an increased awareness leads to more individuals with ADHD being identified, but social media can also propagate misinformation about the condition. One study has shown that over half of the TikTok videos on ADHD are classified as having misleading information. Therefore, individuals may inaccurately self-diagnose themselves with the condition based on incorrect information.
What does this mean for ADHD? As we uncover more about how social media intersects with ADHD, it’s clear this is a complex issue. Although an increased awareness about ADHD has contributed to the rise in diagnoses, social media is also a significant factor. In light of this, more regulation is needed, both in terms of the time individuals spend online and on misleading information about ADHD. So, the next time you’re on social media and feel your focus slipping, perhaps it’s a cue to take a step back and assess your online habits.
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