Scientists talked about the impact of social media on concentration in children

Children who spend a lot of time on social media gradually lose the ability to hold their attention. The researchers noted that the increase in the use of social media over the past 15 years has coincided with an increase in the number of diagnoses of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in different countries. This was reported on December 8 in the Medical Xpress magazine.

In a new study, researchers examined the relationship between digital habits and ADHD symptoms. The sample included 8,324 children. The children indicated how much time they spent daily on social media, watching videos or playing video games, and the parents assessed the level of inattention and hyperactivity.

Experts have identified one key factor: it is the active use of social networks that is associated with the gradual development of symptoms of inattention. No such connection was found with watching TV or video games. Torkel Klinberg, professor of cognitive neuroscience, noted that platforms with a rapid flow of notifications and messages constantly distract the user, and even waiting for a message becomes a communication hindrance.

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The scientists clarified that socio-economic conditions and genetic predisposition did not affect the results. The analysis also showed that children with initial signs of inattention did not start using social media more actively, which speaks in favor of a causal relationship from use to symptoms.

At the same time, there was no increase in hyperactivity or impulsivity. The researchers emphasized that the effect at the individual child level is small, but it can be noticeable at the population level. This potentially explains part of the increase in the number of ADHD diagnoses.

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Earlier, on June 1, Konstantin Krutovsky, a geneticist and professor at the Siberian Federal University and the University of Göttingen, reported that early walking may be a sign of ADHD in children. According to him, a child who takes his first step at the end of the so-called normal period (between the ages of eight and 18 months) is less likely to develop attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The specialist emphasized that children who start walking later have better developed brain areas responsible for coordination and sensorimotor processing.

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