The Global Digital Report 2025, produced in partnership with Meltwater and We Are Social, reported that South African users (age 16+) spend an average of 9 hours, 37 minutes on the internet, the highest internet usage rate in the world. The report states that the figure is almost exactly the same as last year, suggesting that many internet users in South Africa have developed (and are comfortable with) an always-online lifestyle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This digital overload doesn’t come without consequences. It has had a considerable impact on our cognitive abilities, notably on focus and attention. Factors such as shrinking attention spans due to the consumption of bite-sized content, multitasking, frequent notifications leading to ongoing distraction, information overload and skim reading leading to surface-level engagement and disrupted sleep patterns from late-night screen use, all contribute to diminished cognitive performance and attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Recognising the difference<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Kenny explains that while technology-induced attention challenges are more environmental and behavioural, neurodivergence has a biological and neurological basis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n “This means that people who are easily distracted can refocus and get back on track and it doesn’t impact the person’s ability to get important things done or their daily functioning.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, people living with ADHD already struggle with attention on tasks, are easily distracted and have difficulty with organisation, making them more vulnerable to the attention-disrupting effects of technology. Added to that is inattentiveness, which presents as overlooking important details, misplacing belongings or forgetting appointments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Adults who suspect ADHD should begin with a validated screening tool, such as the WHO Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS v1.1), which helps identify whether symptoms warrant further assessment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kenny notes that if difficulties with focus, organisation or emotional regulation have been present since childhood and impair functioning, then it’s important to consult a healthcare professional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tips to improve focus<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether the root cause is ADHD or distraction, adopting healthy screen habits and lifestyle behaviours help maintain your physical and mental well-being. Here are a few practical tips to help you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Set digital boundaries: Create tech-free times: As October marks Mental Health Awareness Month, attention is turning to how today’s digitally driven lifestyle overlaps with the symptoms of ADHD. 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\u2022 Set time limits for device use and set daily time limits on your favourite apps.
\u2022 Use only one device at a time.
\u2022 Turn off unnecessary notifications.
\u2022 Schedule to check your favourite social media or news sites only once or twice a day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/peexpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/mental-health.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Plan to stop using your device at a certain time each night.
\u2022 Focus on one task at a time.
\u2022 Breaking tasks into smaller steps makes it less overwhelming.
\u2022 Move regularly.
\u2022 Prioritise sleep and nutrition.
\u2022 Spend time in nature.
\u2022 Write down distracting thoughts on a Post-it note or in a notebook until you are done working.
\u2022 Schedule regular recovery breaks (without a screen), such as deep breathing, yoga and meditation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"