ADHD: Why Is Everyone 
Talking about It? 

ADHD: four letters you can’t seem to escape these days. It feels like everyone either knows someone with ADHD or thinks they might have it themselves. But why? Are we just getting better at recognizing it, or is something bigger happening with our brains? Let’s face it: life feels a lot different for our generation than for the ones before us. We’re glued to our phones, juggling a hundred things at once, and constantly distracted. With so much going on, it makes sense that ADHD is dominating conversations now more than ever.

 

So, what’s really happening in the brain when someone has ADHD? Picture this: you’re watching a movie, but someone keeps changing the channel every few seconds. That’s how focusing can feel for someone with ADHD. Scientists link it to dopamine, the brain chemical that makes things feel fun and rewarding. For people with ADHD, tasks that are boring or repetitive don’t release enough dopamine. Their brains are wired to chase the next exciting thing—not because they want to, but because it’s how their brain functions.

 

But here's the thing: ADHD isn’t just about feeling restless or zoning out sometimes. We’ve all been there—spacing out during a class or procrastinating for hours on TikTok. That doesn’t mean you have ADHD. Getting an official diagnosis takes more than a quick online checklist. Psychiatrists use tools like the DSM V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) to really dig into what’s happening. A diagnosis isn’t about slapping a label on someone—it’s about understanding their challenges and helping them thrive.

 

Let’s get one thing clear: ADHD is more than just being “distracted.” It’s a neurological condition that’s tied to real differences in how the brain works. For starters, the prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain that helps with planning, decision-making, and self-control—has less activity in people with ADHD. That makes it harder to stay organized or follow through, even when they’re trying their hardest. On top of that, brain chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine, which help nerve cells talk to each other, don’t function the same way. So when someone with ADHD says they’re struggling, it’s not laziness or drama—it’s literally how their brain operates.

 

But why does it feel like ADHD is suddenly everywhere? One big reason is the pandemic. The University of Utah found that more adults started seeking ADHD treatment after 2020. It’s not surprising—when routines disappeared during lockdown, a lot of people found it harder to focus and stay organized. Add in the stress and mental exhaustion of living through a pandemic, and suddenly, ADHD symptoms that might’ve gone unnoticed before became a lot more obvious.

 

Then there’s social media. Platforms like TikTok have blown up with content about ADHD—relatable videos, personal stories, and symptom checklists. According to Psychology Today, this has led many people to reflect and seek diagnoses. Awareness is great, but it’s worth remembering that ADHD is still a medical condition, not just a trendy topic online. Social media doesn’t just raise awareness; it’s also changing how we focus. Apps like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and Snapchat are designed to hook us with short, snappy content. The Oxford Blue explains how this taps into something called random reinforcement—you keep scrolling because you never know when you’ll find the next amazing post. It’s kind of like playing the slots: sometimes you win, sometimes you don’t, but you’re always chasing that dopamine rush. This constant cycle of quick rewards trains our brains to crave instant gratification. Nearly half of TikTok users in a survey admitted that watching videos longer than a minute stresses them out. No wonder sitting through a long movie, reading a book, or focusing on homework feels harder than ever.

 

And let’s be honest: our phones aren’t helping. They’re like little dopamine machines, constantly buzzing with notifications and messages. Every time we get a “like” or a reply, it’s a tiny reward that keeps us hooked. Psychology Today found that while social media doesn’t cause ADHD, it can definitely make symptoms worse for people who already struggle with focus or impulse control. It’s like throwing gas on a fire—it intensifies what’s already there.

 

Don’t forget about sleep, either. Scrolling late at night? We’ve all done it. But that bad habit disrupts our sleep cycles, and lack of sleep can make ADHD symptoms even worse. The endless loop of notifications and quick rewards doesn’t just mess with our focus—it leaves us drained and irritable, too.

 

So, what can we do? Throwing your phone in the trash might sound tempting, but let’s be real—it’s not happening. Instead, small changes can make a big difference. The University of Utah suggests setting boundaries, like keeping your phone out of sight during meals or cutting off screen time an hour before bed. Apps like Freedom or StayFocusd can also block distractions when you need to focus.

 

Another tip? Take a break from screens altogether. Go for a walk, pick up a hobby, or read an actual book. Sure, it might feel weird or even boring at first, but these activities can reset your brain. Over time, you might notice that focusing gets a little easier.

 

Here’s the bottom line: our world is changing fast, and so are our brains. Whether ADHD is becoming more common or we’re just getting better at recognizing it, one thing is clear—our tech habits aren’t exactly helping. But that doesn’t mean we’re powerless. By taking small steps to manage distractions, we can create space for our brains to breathe. ADHD might be a big part of the conversation today, but that doesn’t mean it has to define us.

 

 

Works Cited

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Communication, Marketing and. “Why Is Adult ADHD on the Rise? | University of Utah Health.” Healthcare.utah.edu, 10 June 2024, healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/2024/06/why-adult-adhd-rise.

 

“Is There a Link between ADHD and Social Media? | Psychology Today.” Www.psychologytoday.com, www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/digital-world-real-world/202312/is-there-a-link-between-adhd-and-social-media.

 

Nathan Crispo. “TikTok Brain: Can We Save Children’s Attention Spans?” Richmond Journal of Law and Technology, 6 Mar. 2024, jolt.richmond.edu/2024/03/06/tiktok-brain-can-we-save-childrens-attention-spans/.

 

Zaveri, Jui. “TikTok and the Death of the Attention Span.” The Oxford Blue, 23 May 2023, theoxfordblue.co.uk/tiktok-and-the-death-of-the-attention-span/.