Hyperfixation

Hyperfixation is an intense, prolonged focus on a single activity, topic or interest to the exclusion of other tasks and bodily needs, commonly associated with ADHD and autism. Unlike hyperfocus, which is often channelled toward a productive task, hyperfixation can latch onto any object of attention - including fictional worlds, hobbies or distressing thoughts - and may continue for hours or days. In accessibility design, hyperfixation is relevant because it can cause users to override important interruptions such as breaks, meals, or privacy prompts, which is a particular concern when designing persuasive, addictive, or dark-pattern interfaces that exploit sustained engagement.