FIDGET SPINNER – Here is the definition, origin, history, and purpose of this three-lobed toy that most of us probably didn’t know about.
A fidget spinner is a small, handheld toy designed to spin around a central bearing. It typically consists of a ball bearing in the center and three prongs that can be spun around.
They are usually made from materials like plastic, metal, or ceramic. They have a ball bearing in the center, which allows the prongs to spin smoothly and quickly when flicked.
There are many types of fidget spinners, including different shapes, colors, and designs. Some have additional features like lights or sound effects. While some people found it helpful for focus and stress relief, others saw them as a distraction.
PURPOSE
These toys were marketed as tools to help people with anxiety, ADHD, and autism. The idea was that the repetitive motion of spinning could provide a calming effect and improve concentration.
However, there is limited scientific evidence to support the claims about their benefits for conditions like ADHD.
HISTORY
The exact origins of the fidget spinner are unclear, but it is often credited to Catherine Hettinger, an American inventor. In the early 1990s, she designed a toy to help her daughter cope with a medical condition.
She patented a spinning toy in 1993, which some believe to be an early version of the fidget spinner.
However, her patent expired in 2005 because she couldn’t afford the renewal fee. This allowed others to create similar spinning toys without restrictions.
Fidget spinners became extremely popular in 2017, turning into a global fad. They were especially popular among school children, although some schools later banned them due to being a distraction.
USAGE
To use it, you hold the center with one hand and use the other hand to spin the prongs. The toy can then spin freely for a period of time, depending on the quality of the bearing and the force applied.
It can be a fun and engaging way to keep hands busy, but their effectiveness as a tool for anxiety or ADHD varies from person to person.