The Fidget Spinner 2017

A fidget spinner is a type of stress-relieving toy. A basic fidget spinner consists of a bearing in the center of a design made from any of a variety of materials including brass, stainless steel, titanium, copper and plastic. The toy has been advertised as helping people who have trouble focusing or fidgeting (such as those with ADHD, autism, or anxiety) by acting as a release mechanism for nervous energy or stress. Experts were divided on this claim, with some supporting it while others disputed its scientific basis and argued the toy may actually be more distracting.

 Although they were invented in the 1990s, fidget spinners became a popular toy in 2017. Often marketed with health benefits, the toy began being used by school children, resulting in some schools banning the spinners, arguing that the toy became a distraction in classrooms. Other schools are allowing the toy to be used discreetly by children in order to help them concentrate.

Fidget spinners are often designed with the intent to relieve stress. Basic fidget spinners consist of a two or three pronged design with a bearing in its centre circular pad. An individual holds the centre pad while the toy spins. Designs are made from various materials including brass, stainless steel, titanium, copper, aluminium, and 3D printed plastic. The types of of bearings generally used are ceramic, metal (stainless steel or chrome), and hybrid designs. Additionally, bearings can be different to adjust for the design's spin time, vibration, and noise, leading to unique sensory feedback.

When fidget spinners rose in popularity in 2017, many publications discussed their claimed benefits for individuals with ADHD, autism, or anxiety. As Money detailed, fidget spinners were "created and marketed as a calming tool used to stay focused.Some fidget spinners sold on Amazon were advertised as "stress relievers." Hettinger accounted her knowledge of "a special needs teacher who used it with autistic kids, and it really helped to calm them down." James Plafke of Forbes explained, "ultimately, though, there isn't enough research regarding whether or not these spinners can actually help people from a mental health standpoint." Experts themselves were polarized on this claim, as some supported the notion of its benefit for those with ADHD and autism, while others argued the spinners could actually be more distracting than helpful with focusing.