showing signs of decreasing attention spans and cognitive abilities [1]. This may be misdiagnosed as ADHD and then medicated. Yeah, they're fine, you guess. I'll cite you the next time someone brings it up to assure them the kids are fine.
The idea that phones are changing our attention span and giving rise to harmful addictive behaviors, especially applied to children, does not strike me as outlandish or unworthy of investigation.
"People who smoke are getting lung cancer. We'd better investigate the carcinogenic properties of tobacco."
"People who get too much sun are exhibiting symptoms from melanoma to premature aging. Could this be related to UV exposure?"
"People who work with radioactive material are dropping like flies. What the heck's up with that?"
"People who consume excessive sugar are experiencing symptoms from obesity to insulin resistance to heart disease. Could there be a connection?"
"Kids who spend a lot of time on iPhones are ... well, fine, I guess, but there's got to be some grant money in there somewhere."