Written by Zoe
People with ADHD1(Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder) or ADD2 (Attention Deficit Disorder) may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviours, or being overly active. It will challenge the affected person’s ability to focus, organize tasks, and manage time.
Digital media tools bring a tremendous amount of distraction and a unique way of supporting it. By addressing the pros and cons of this double-edged sword, this article seeks to find a balanced approach for ADHDers.
Challenges
For ADHDers, the widespread availability of devices such as cell phones, computers, and tablets brings a high risk of distraction.
- First and foremost, it’s evident that digital media creates too much distraction…too many different distracting devices…too many and too touchy-feely cues…each app trying to get as much of your attention as possible, adding to an already shaky focus.
- Second, although there are many applications designed specifically for ADHD, such as the Pomodoro timer or Forest, the continuing use of these tools is a challenge in itself for the ADHDer. Cumbersome operations with delayed positive feedback are also a big challenge for ADHDers.
If ADHDers don’t realize their specific issues, do not try to find their balance, but only let themselves get lost in the flood of information or use “tools designed for ADHDers” without reflection, their attention span is compromised.
Opportunities
On the other hand, digital media provides ADHDers with various opportunities to enhance their focus.
- Use notifications wisely: using Do Not Disturb mode at work and moments to turn off notifications for unimportant apps can go a long way in helping ADHDers improve their quality of life. In addition, using the shortcut function to manage screen time can avoid over-immersion and commitment to software such as social networks.
- Managing the Hyperfocus Mode: It is easy for an ADHDer to invest too much concentration persistently, resulting in low energy in the later part of the work. The mechanism of The Pomodoro can remind ADHDers to take breaks at the right time to avoid over-commitment leading to energy exhaustion. It doesn’t require complicated operation or an app – a simple alarm clock can help find the right work rhythm.
- Easy journaling: A variety of memo pads, mood logs, and digital journaling apps (such as the brand-new journal feature for iOS) can help ADHDers keep track of and make sense of their moods. ADHD is often accompanied by anxiety and depression, and journaling is a great way to combat them.
- Quickly jotting down thoughts: For ADHDers who often have numerous thoughts coming to them simultaneously, quickly jotting things down with memos or voice-entry techniques can reduce the anxiety of forgetting or missing important things, thus allowing switch the mind back to the matter at hand being dealt with.
Digital media offers ADHDers a double-edged sword of both challenges and opportunities. I genuinely believe that, especially with the help of AI, digital media tools can, with their accessibility and automation, help ADHDers focus less on external and internal distractions so that they can devote their energy to what they need to concentrate on more. By using digital media wisely, ADHDers can balance creativity and inspiration with efficiency and precision that maximizes their potential.