The Proof is in the Pudding

Here are just a few of the many graphs and statistics that I found and put together to show you the increase in ADHD alongside the increase in technology:

ADHD is up 29% in children and teens since 1998

This chart portrays these technology changes as a positive, but when looking at attention span and relation to ADHD, it is the complete opposite of what is being preached here.

How much data use has increased over time

This one demonstrates my point exactly about multitasking in my previous blog. 

Just another graph showing the increase of smartphones in the past 9 years alone

Why is ADHD increasing?

Lately, the number of cases of ADHD, also known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, has skyrocketed. This leaves many to wonder what is the cause? Food? Vaccines? Schools? No. There is one simple explanation for it all, technology. With all the new technology coming out, such as iPads and smartphones, the brain is being put into sensory overload. Children (and adults) do not just sit down at the table anymore to have a nice dinner or spend time without some type of technology going on.
There is always something around to disturb our senses, whether it be the radio in the car, or TVs in the supermarket at the checkout, or going from app to app on a smart device, today all we are worried about is multitasking. We want to do as much as possible in the shortest amount of time. We are programmed to be distracted. How can be blame our children for ADHD when we encourage the same type of behaviors, just outside of the classroom setting?
We are so used to moving on as quickly as possible in real life and technology that we do not just stop and take time to unload our senses. Here is an example of what tends to happen now: "Let me check my texts. O and now I'm gunna jump to my Snapchat. Wait a second, I forgot to check my e-mail. Well now what do I check, I'm bored. O how about I play Temple Run". This is what technology causes us to do. It consists of a constant jumping from one item to another and we never relax.
In the younger generations, there is an allure of multitasking. How many apps can I download and use? Because of this mentality, we have begun living in a lifestyle of distraction. We partake in sensory overload everyday, and it has become a part of normal life. Take a look even 20 years ago. This was not an issue. We are in an era of sensory overload, and THIS TECHNOLOGY is what plays a role in ADHD.