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. 2024 Aug;33(8):2503-2526.
doi: 10.1007/s00787-022-02130-3. Epub 2022 Dec 23.

Longitudinal associations between digital media use and ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents: a systematic literature review

Lisa B Thorell  1 , Jonas Burén  2 , Johanna Ström Wiman  2 , David Sandberg  2 , Sissela B Nutley  2
Affiliations

Longitudinal associations between digital media use and ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents: a systematic literature review

Lisa B Thorell et al. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2024 Aug.

Abstract

Previous reviews have often shown a link between digital media ADHD symptom levels. However, longitudinal studies are needed to find stronger evidence of a causal effect as well as to determine the direction of effects. The aim of the present review (PROSPERO CRD42021262695) was therefore to provide a systematic review of studies meeting the following inclusion criteria: (1) include longitudinal data investigating associations between digital media (i.e., gaming and social media) and later ADHD symptoms or vice versa, (2) be published within the past 10 years (i.e., 2011 until June 2021), (3) be published in a peer-reviewed journal in English, and (4) include children or adolescents (age 0-17 years). After a systematic search in the Web of Science and PsycInfo databases, we included 28 studies, all with adequate or high quality. Results showed support for reciprocal associations between digital media and ADHD symptoms, with associations being more consistent for problematic use of digital media than for screen time. Thus, children with ADHD symptoms appear more vulnerable to developing high or problematic use of digital media (i.e., selection effects), and digital media also have effects on later ADHD symptom levels, either because of specific characteristics of digital media or because of indirect effects on, for example, sleep and social relations (i.e., media effects). However, it should be emphasized that further studies investigating potential moderators and mediators are needed if we are to better understand the complex associations between digital media and ADHD symptom levels.

Keywords: ADHD; Gaming; Hyperactivity; Impulsivity; Inattention; Longitudinal; Social media.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Flowchart
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Summary of the results displaying the number of studies showing significant associations between ADHD symptom levels and digital media (DM)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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