Dan Rosenheck, Data editor at The Economist, unpacks the surprising clarity of a recent American election, highlighting polling trends and Latino voter shifts. Sloveya Csankova reexamines the rising diagnoses of ADHD, advocating for a view that sees it as a spectrum rather than a disorder. Vishnu Padmanaban explores the growth of faith-based startups in India, revealing how technology is reshaping Hindu practices and tapping into increased religiosity. Each guest offers fresh perspectives on complex societal issues.
The evolving understanding of ADHD emphasizes a spectrum approach rather than strict diagnostic labels, advocating for supportive environments over medication.
India's burgeoning market for faith-based apps illustrates a significant cultural shift towards religiosity, driven by economic growth and modern technology.
Deep dives
Rising ADHD Diagnoses and Changing Perspectives
Diagnoses of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have seen a significant increase, partly due to heightened awareness and understanding of the condition's impact on individuals, particularly women. However, some experts are questioning whether ADHD should be viewed strictly as a disorder, suggesting it may instead represent neurodiversity common to many people. The absence of a definitive biological marker for ADHD undermines the binary classification of the condition, leading researchers to argue that symptoms should not necessarily warrant a clinical label. This shift in perspective emphasizes that many diagnosed individuals may find their symptoms alleviated by changes in their environment rather than relying solely on medical intervention.
Non-Medical Approaches to ADHD Management
Supporting ADHD individuals through non-medical approaches, such as creating a nurturing environment at home and school, can significantly improve their functioning without the need for medication. Research indicates that children perform better academically and socially when they are in warm, structured, and understanding settings that accommodate their unique patterns of energy and attention. In some regions, initiatives encourage teachers and parents to work collaboratively to understand a child's strengths and weaknesses without labeling them with a formal diagnosis. Such methods could potentially ease the burden on healthcare systems overwhelmed by ADHD diagnoses while promoting a healthier, more inclusive understanding of neurodiversity.
Faith-Based Apps and India's Growing Religious Market
India is witnessing a surge in faith-based apps, which offer modern worship experiences such as virtual pujas and remote lighting of lamps for religious ceremonies. This trend is fueled by a growing connection to religion among Indians, with a significant portion expressing its importance in daily life. The financial backing for these apps, reflected in a substantial increase in investment, highlights a market poised for growth, particularly with India's burgeoning smartphone penetration. Additionally, the combination of increased economic means and cultural shifts towards public displays of faith is driving a robust religious economy, estimated to double in size in the coming years.
The American presidential election delivered a mercifully quick and decisive outcome. Our data editor explains why such a tight-seeming race was likely to result in a clear-cut victory. As ADHD prevalence keeps climbing, the science suggests it should be treated not as a disorder but as a spectrum (11:33). And the Indian startups cashing in on a rise in religiosity (19:47).
