Understanding Attention

Find a therapist to help with ADHD

Excessive use of technology looks like ADHD: increased impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity.

ADHD diagnosis requires childhood onset and impairment, not just current inattentiveness.

Technology's intermittent rewards train brains to crave constant stimulation, worsening focus.

By Jadin Marshall, MS, and Erica D. Marshall-Lee, Ph.D., ABPP, on behalf of the Atlanta Behavioral Health Advocates

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by persistent patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that impact overall functioning before the age of 12. Symptoms of inattention can look like difficulty sustaining attention, challenges with organizing tasks, or being forgetful. Hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms are described as feeling “on the go,” squirming, talking excessively, or often interrupting (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). These symptoms point to a very important component of the disorder known as executive dysfunction. Executive functioning refers to mental processes that are responsible for our working memory, planning, organization, self-regulation, and emotional control (Diamond, 2013).

Social Media and Self-Diagnosis of ADHD

We’re sure you’ve heard your friends, family, or coworkers mention their use of ChatGPT, TikTok, Google, etc., to self-diagnose. Mental health clinicians certainly have. Imagine this: Jadin, 25, is sitting on the couch with her friend—let’s say her name is Naomi, 24, and they’re watching TikToks. Two hours go by. This moment consists of constant scrolling, laughter, and sending each other videos and memes back and forth. Gen Z quality time. Then…

“I think I have ADHD,” Naomi blurts.

“Huh? Why do you think that?” Jadin asks.

“Well, I saw on TikTok a video of this girl saying that if you struggle to complete tasks, multitask, have low motivation, and some........

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