Question

Our conscious and unconscious lives have an increasing amount of exposure to technology. How has our attention and ability to focus been challenged in our fast-paced, technology-driven word?

What are some possible explanations for why attention disorders have been on the rise over the past few decades?

Answer 1

Technology is affecting the thinking process. Moreover, exposure of technology to the child has led to change in the brain wiring of a child that suits the current requirement.

I will answer this question by comparing the traditional textbook reading and the use of the internet. Textbook reading required focus and attention and brain wiring developed in accordance with it but today exposure to the internet has led to brain wiring that can scan information rapidly and efficiently.

Attention is the most malleable part of thinking. It is highly shaped by the environment. In times of textbook reading one require to have high attention and focus and being imaginative. The learned information can be easily recalled. On the other hand those using technology like hyperlinks and video attached are found to be less attentive, takes more time to complete the same set of reading and recall is poor than the textbook reader.

However, technology is not all bad. Video games and virtual media technology has improved visuospatial ability, better reaction time and increased attention. The Internet is helping the child to be just different and not necessarily an inferior. He now need not memorize information but learn where information can be found.
Change in the brain wiring and thinking process where the internet has brought more disruption has led to increases in attention disorder. Things such as information overload have also contributed to decreasing in attention ability thus contributing to the rise of attention disorders.