Attention Sp... hold on one sec... ans!

[GeoWhiz]

Do kids have quicker attention spans than they did in previous generations? I tried my best to research it on the Web, and here's what I found:

Mobile gadgets such as phones and tablet computers may be eroding kids’ attention spans and contributing to a rise in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder diagnosis, according to researchers in this Time magazine piece.


That’s because mobile devices condition their users to expect constant, electronic stimulus. When kids put down those devices, the real world can seem slow-paced and less interesting.


From the story:


Researchers are reluctant to say there is a direct correlation between gadgets and ADHD, but there are strong parallels between the upswing in diagnoses and an increase of screen time. One important finding: children and young adults who overdo TV and video games are nearly twice as likely to suffer from a variety of attention-span disorders, according to a study in the journal Pediatrics.


“ADHD is 10 times more common today than it was 20 years ago,” said Dimitri Christakis, the George Adkins professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington in Seattle. “Although it is clear that ADHD has a genetic basis, given that our genes have not changed appreciably in that time frame, it is likely that there are environmental factors that are contributing to this rise.”


Part of the problem is the fragmented, action-packed nature of electronic media. Christakis found that faster-paced shows increased the risk of attention issues. The brains of children adapt to that speed, so when they’re forced to work in the slower pace of life, they often struggle to pay attention because it’s less stimulating and rewarding.

A Microsoft study highlights the deteriorating attention span of humans, saying it has fallen from 12 seconds in 2000 to eight seconds. According to scientists, the age of smartphones has left humans with such a short attention span even a goldfish can hold a thought for longer.
Researchers surveyed 2,000 participants in Canada and studied the brain activity of 112 others using electroencephalograms.
The results showed the average human attention span has fallen from 12 seconds in 2000, or around the time the mobile revolution began, to eight seconds.
Goldfish, meanwhile, are believed to have an attention span of nine seconds.

I'm pretty neutral on this, so I'm just looking forward to your opinions.

[Tenebrae]

Discipline is also less strict now days. If the cane were still a thing in schools you can bet kids wouldn't let their attention dip.

Technology is just dumbing the population.

[Warmonger_2]

Discipline is also less strict now days. If the cane were still a thing in schools you can bet kids wouldn't let their attention dip.

Technology is just dumbing the population.

*Opinion Warning*


I agree, partially. While there is a distinct difference between the generations I do not think that technology is dumbing the population. On the contrary, I think it is helping. However, the lack of discipline and control of said technology is not causing any positive effects. I think the generation before, the one shoving kids in front of screens for "easy parenting", is causing/has caused the problem. Technology by itself cannot cause dumbness. Its all in how its used.

[WaffleDoc]

Wait what are we suppose to be talking about?

[LilacLily]

Wait what are we suppose to be talking about?

Seriously? Did you even read the main post? We're debating on whether technology is causing this generation to be more retarded.

In any case, I actually agree with Warmonger. Technology in itself isn't bad; it's how it's used. If parents would actually take the time to discipline their children, then we wouldn't have half the problems we have now.

[WaffleDoc]

...apparently we don't understand sarcasm either.

[tymac]

In everything in our world, there is often something good and bad about it. The internet (or technology for this matter) is obviously no exception. You can often access many important information sources on the internet, like new languages, and research information for school and work. However, the internet can become a waste of time, and lead to a decline in productivity, like social media, and certain video games. Schools are realizing how important technology has become, and have starting utilizing it in their favor; unfortunately some children need to learn that their time should be used better. This is where parents need to start to discipline their children more often

[Tenebrae]

*Opinion Warning*


I agree, partially. While there is a distinct difference between the generations I do not think that technology is dumbing the population. On the contrary, I think it is helping. However, the lack of discipline and control of said technology is not causing any positive effects. I think the generation before, the one shoving kids in front of screens for "easy parenting", is causing/has caused the problem. Technology by itself cannot cause dumbness. Its all in how its used.

Yeah, I wasn't clear enough. People are becoming more reliant on it to perform basic tasks, like simple math. Doesn't help so many people are glued to their electronic  devices.

[Warmonger_2]

Yeah, I wasn't clear enough. People are becoming more reliant on it to perform basic tasks, like simple math. Doesn't help so many people are glued to their electronic  devices.

Agreed. Especially on the math thing...

[GeoWhiz]

Agreed. Especially on the math thing...

Siri, what's 2 + 2?