ADHD in the digital age: exploring the well-being of adults with attention difficulties in Facebook support groups

Purpose Facebook support groups provide opportunities for emotional support and social connection among individuals with shared health conditions. This study examined the relationships among online engagement, perceived social support, self-compassion and well-being among adults with attention difficulties (ADHD) participating in Facebook groups. Design/methodology/approach The sample included 405 adults who reported having ADHD or attention difficulties, recruited from two types of Facebook groups: members of ADHD-specific Facebook support groups and members of unrelated, neutral groups. Four key variables were assessed: online engagement, social support, self-compassion and well-being. Analyses included descriptive, comparative, correlational, regression and structural equation modeling techniques. Findings Significant differences between the types of groups were found in two of the four variables: self-compassion and well-being, with both showing significant interactions with gender. Women in ADHD-related groups reported lower self-criticism than women in neutral groups, suggesting that emotional support in these groups may help reduce self-criticism. Conversely, men in ADHD-related groups reported lower levels of well-being than in neutral groups, indicating that they may experience less comfort engaging in emotionally supportive interactions online. Originality/value These results highlight the potential of Facebook groups to function as support systems that enhance well-being for individuals with attention difficulties. They also raise important questions regarding the role of gender in shaping experiences of belonging and support in digital environments.