The Science behind the Fidget Spinner Craze

Fidgeting is a human behaviour observed since early days. People have been known to fidget with objects like pens, matches, coins, etc. Fidgeting is usually associated with restlessness and stress and is often seen as an outlet that allows people to focus and concentrate. But is there any science behind this? Let’s find out.

What is a Fidget Spinner?

A fidget spinner is an object that has a ball bearing at the centre of it. This ball bearing allows the spinner to rotate freely in your hand with just a flick of your finger. Most fidget toys will look like a ceiling fan, but there are other designs out there as well. The idea behind them all is the same; the object spins freely in your hand, allowing you to concentrate and distract yourself.

How common is fidgeting?

Unlike our assumptions, fidgeting is very common among people. Most people don’t even realise that they are fidgeting while they concentrate on a more important task. Be it twitch in the leg, tapping the table, spinning the pen or doodling; all of these tasks are considered to be fidgeting, and most of us do it under stress without ever realising it.

Is there any science behind these spinners?

Although scientific theories are explaining and justifying the act of fidgeting and fidget spinners, one should take it with a grain of salt as there is very less physical evidence to prove these theories. The claims of manufacturers state that fidget spinning helps with psychological disorders such as ADHD, PTSD, anxiety, etc. are all unproven claims that lack scientific proof. Nevertheless, here are some of the most common fidget spinner theories out there that make sense.

Fidgeting Helps Occupy the Distracting Part of your Brain

Whenever you try and do something important that requires focus and concentration, there will always be a part of your brain that will distract you with a stupid and random thought that is not related to the task at hand in any way. Authors Roland Rotz and Sarah Wright explain the same concept in their book ‘Fidget to Focus’. According to the book, fidgeting will stop you from having random and obsessive thoughts that would otherwise hamper your work. It does so by occupying the distracted part of your brain to fidget with something like a fidget spinner.

Fidgeting is a Part of your Thinking Process

Many studies in the past have proven that physical movement assists with cognitive activities of the brain, which in turn allows you to concentrate and focus more easily. This is one of the reasons why people use their hands and face to express a song while they sing it. This is also the reason why you remember things more when you write them down. Fidgeting helps you in the same way by allowing you to do some physical activity while you concentrate on something else.

Fidgeting can be a Ritual

Fidgeting can act as the familiar ritual away from home that helps you get comfortable with your surroundings and a new environment. It offers comfort, predictability, and structure to a person, which makes them feel focused and concentrated while doing any task.

Overall, initial observations of fidget toy spinners suggest that they could have a purpose behind them that might, in turn, reveal some benefits for its users. For now, the lack of scientific study in the science of fidget spinning suggests that it is merely a toy for restless adults. And it does seem to be working, which is evident from the growing craze of this fun toy. Get one for yourself today and try it out.