Longitudinal Associations Between Digital Media Use and ADHD Symptoms in Adults: A Systematic Review

Growing concerns have emerged about how the increasing use of digital media among adults may influence symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although previous studies have explored the connection between digital media use and ADHD, many have not adequately addressed questions of causality, particularly within adult populations. This paper systematically reviews longitudinal studies that investigate the relationship between digital media use and ADHD symptoms in adults. The findings suggest that frequent engagement with digital media has been linked to an increase in ADHD symptoms. Specifically, the review identifies a notable and favorable correlation between digital media use, particularly excessive engagement with social media and online gaming, and the presence of ADHD symptoms. Such results point to an ongoing demand for longitudinal studies and stress the significance of designing tailored approaches to govern the use of social media and mobile devices among adults.