The study on the relationship between attention disorders, the pandemic, and the impact of digital devices on cognitive development has been completed. Researchers collected data on various factors including age groups, gender, socioeconomic status, and dates of diagnosis of ADHD. Their findings showed that the corona epidemic did not have any impact on the rates of ADHD diagnoses and there was no significant change in the number of diagnoses during the pandemic.
Prof. Iris Manor believes that exposure to screens and social media may be contributing to a perceived decrease in attention span among children and teenagers. She suggests that constant stimulation from devices and social media platforms could be impacting their ability to maintain focus for extended periods of time. However, she emphasizes that this is not a medical attention disorder like ADHD which has a genetic basis and affects individuals throughout their lives. Prof. Manor recommends seeking a specialist for an accurate diagnosis if parents have concerns about their child’s attention span.
The research highlights that it is important to differentiate between normal developmental changes and neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD which require accurate diagnosis and specialized care to address the challenges faced by individuals with these conditions. Ultimately, this study aims to provide clarity on the relationship between the pandemic, attention disorders, and the impact of digital devices on cognitive development so that parents can make informed decisions about their child’s health.
