ADHD or self-induced ADT?
Research suggests that we modern humans interrupt what we are doing on a screen and shift our attention to another tab, our phone, or something else after an average of just 47 seconds. Twenty years ago, the corresponding figure was around 2.5 minutes.
Today, an inability to concentrate is often attributed to ADHD, a neurodevelopmental condition involving difficulties with attention and hyperactivity that is present from birth. In reality, however, for most people the issue is ADT (Attention Deficit Trait).
"ADT is not a disorder or a permanent condition. It is usually caused by prolonged overuse of digital devices and social media, multitasking, a constant sense of urgency, stress, and inadequate recovery."
Like ADHD, ADT can cause restlessness, difficulty maintaining attention, and an inability to work with sustained focus. It is possible to recover from this self-induced difficulty with concentration, provided you recognise the problem and are willing to make meaningful changes to your lifestyle: taking digital breaks, prioritising sleep, and doing single-task exercises.
