Nicholas Carr argues that increased Internet use is producing ADHD-like symptoms in users. Likewise, Emily Yoffe (see "Seeking: How the brain hard-wires us to love Google...") argues that the seeking/wanting/reward system accounts for why people seem to get so caught up with the Internet.
This seems to be contradictory for dopamine is at the heart of the seeking system. If those with ADHD have low dopamine levels, then if increased Internet use is leading to ADHD-like symptoms, one would expect to see lower dopamine levels in frequent Internet users. But if frequent Internet users have low dopamine levels, their seeking system should be weaker and thus they wouldn't be using the Internet as much!
This makes me wonder if perhaps those with ADHD have a selective seeking system. I've heard that this is true. This raises the question: Is it possible for the environment to hardwire the seeking system in a selective direction? For example, could increased Internet use program one's seeking system to prefer the quick and easy (via websites) over high concentration and deliberation (e.g., deep reading)?
Does anyone have any information on this?
This seems to be contradictory for dopamine is at the heart of the seeking system. If those with ADHD have low dopamine levels, then if increased Internet use is leading to ADHD-like symptoms, one would expect to see lower dopamine levels in frequent Internet users. But if frequent Internet users have low dopamine levels, their seeking system should be weaker and thus they wouldn't be using the Internet as much!
This makes me wonder if perhaps those with ADHD have a selective seeking system. I've heard that this is true. This raises the question: Is it possible for the environment to hardwire the seeking system in a selective direction? For example, could increased Internet use program one's seeking system to prefer the quick and easy (via websites) over high concentration and deliberation (e.g., deep reading)?
Does anyone have any information on this?