I see a lot of people blaming tiktok and “brain rot” content for the increasing ADHD diagnoses, but I think its a matter of better detection, similar to how OCD and autism diagnosis have increased too.
Also as someone with ADHD, it feels like shit that it could be “my fault” or that I have brainrot.
While I am very much against the idea that “things were better in my day”, I don’t think the idea that the rise of social media, short form content and rapid gratification has had on today’s society and upcoming generations should be tossed out offhand. I do think there is something fundamentally different with some of the content presented nowadays, and how easy to access and addictive it can be.
It’s not just short form video algorithms. Streaming TV shows are made to where they effectively end about 15 minutes into the next episode. Video games are workshopped right down to the sounds they use for loot boxes.
And all of that might have an effect, but that effect is pretty clearly to draw in normal people. Not to somehow create ADHD.