Facebook, Twitter and ADHD

Does Social Networking Impact ADHD?

Today’s generation of techno-geeks has created a world which exists on a virtual cloud. This real/not real universe is complete with its own language, transmitted via a keyboard the size of a deck of playing cards. By plugging into the world of social networking, your child can make connections all over the planet earth. He can expand his mind with the click of his mouse as he checks out the myriad links posted by “friends.”

All this happens at a rapid-fire pace which leads parents and teachers to wonder whether social networking might be a problem, in particular for those kids with attention span deficits. If your child has ADD/ADHD, you may be more than just a little concerned about the effects of Facebook and Twitter on your child’s mind. But what do the experts say?

Negative Impact

At least one leading neuroscientist believes that social networking venues can have a negative impact on children. Lady Greenfield, professor of synaptic pharmacology at Oxford’s Lincoln College and the director of the Royal Institution says that children who use these sites,“… are devoid of cohesive narrative and long-term significance.”

Dr. Greenfield says these venues may infantilize a child’s mind and accustom it to sensationalism, short attention span, lack of compassion, and an absence of a personal sense of identity.

Beneficial Impact

But Dr. Brendesha Tynes disagrees. Tynes conducted a study back in 2007 entitled, Internet Safety Gone Wild? Sacrificing the Educational and Psychosocial Benefits of Online Social Environments, which found that online socialization on sites like Facebook can be very beneficial to teens who are working on establishing an identity and acquiring life skills. Dr. Tynes, who is a professor of educational psychology at the University of Illinois, says the social networking sites give kids a chance to strategize communication, build their decision-making skills, and offers teens a chance to develop critical thinking—all useful tools for those who are challenged by ADD/ADHD. Tynes’ study finds that these tools prepare our youth for the challenges of adulthood.

As time goes on, there may be more information on the impact of these new-fangled forms of two-dimensional interaction on those with ADD/ADHD.  For now, common sense must be our guide. It does seem that virtual interaction by way of cellphone or keyboard cannot offer the same sense of communication that is generated by a face-to-face meeting with a real person. There is no substitute for true interpersonal communication, and this holds even more water for those who have difficulties with self-expression, impulsivity, and compassion.

Used with care and moderation, social networking sites provide some benefits for young people, no matter whether or not they have ADD/ADHD, by expanding their connections and offering the free trade of information. However, kids with ADD/ADHD require extra supervision across the board and their interactions on the ‘net are no exception. Applying limits on their use of social networking venues is appropriate and it is reasonable for parents to keep a close watch on the frequency and intensity with which their children use social networks.

This article has been copied from www.cognibeat.com and can be found at
http://community.cognibeat.com/2010/11/facebooktwitterandadhd