Digital Information Environment
52 Digital Media & Inattention
Oliva Dubro and Ethan Tyler
introduction
Imagine your local Starbucks – bustling with the sounds of aggressive Macbook typing, professional business phone calls, and the calling of customers’ names as they grab their daily dose of caffeine to help power through another task on their ever-growing to-do list. Now imagine that the Americanos being handed from barista to customer aren’t Americanos at all. Imagine employees passing little orange and blue pills across the counter. No need to worry about reusable straws or extra-strength cup lids; patrons just pop a capsule into their mouths and hustle back to their charger-strewn stakeout. So maybe that’s a reach, but we’ve all heard the stories (or maybe told the story) of the anxious student cramming for an exam in the library for hours, thanks to the help of a Starbucks latte or two (or four.) Recently, though, the story may take a different twist, as espresso shots and 5-Hour Energy’s just aren’t cutting it for many young adults try to rise above the pack of their peers. It may not be all that uncommon to hear about another study aid used – Adderall. “Well, our generation never needed it. Why does your generation always have to take it to the next level?” the Gen Xer asks (rather passive aggressively.)
The black hole of cell phone apps and distractions has left the developing brain in a constant state of fluctuation when it comes to cognitive abilities. In turn, many young adults suffer from symptoms similar to those seen in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), causing them to seek the help of prescription stimulants to treat the inattention and misdirection of motivation caused by a cell-phone-centric life.
The Impact of Digital Media on Inattention and ADHD Symptoms
The focus of this discussion is on inattention and the signs of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). According to the thesis, digital media may make symptoms of ADHD worse even though it has many educational advantages. This is because it can be very addictive, interfere with social interaction, and cause sleep disturbances, all of which have an adverse effect on people with ADHD.
Understanding Inattention, ADHD, and Digital Media
To comprehend the significance of inattention and ADHD in the setting of digital media, it is important to investigate these symptoms. The neurodevelopmental illness known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity illness (ADHD) is defined by ongoing episodes of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention (Furman, 2005). These symptoms might be particularly difficult in digital surroundings. Also, the term “digital media addiction” refers to the excessive and obsessive usage of digital devices, which frequently has negative consequences including social isolation and responsibility neglect. Excessive digital media usage has been associated with attention deficiencies and symptoms similar to ADHD, according to research, which sugg