In our fast-paced modern society, the art of multitasking has become a widespread practice among the masses. Whether it is splitting attention while eating and watching videos, driving and applying makeup, or studying and listening to music, most of us cannot focus solely on one single task without engaging with another simultaneously. With this constant practice of juggling multiple activities at the same time, many people believe they have honed their multitasking skills to become more proactive and efficient. However, recent studies on the brain suggest a blunt reality: you suck at multitasking, so stop trying.
What is Multitasking?
In its general meaning, multitasking refers to the ability to coordinate and divide attention across several tasks in order to complete them. However, there exist two different executive functions used in multitasking known as task-switching and dual tasking. Task-switching is the ability for an individual to shift attention between tasks, focusing on one task at a time but switching attention between them. Dual tasking involves the ability to perform two tasks simultaneously without the need to pause one of those tasks. Mastering the art of dual tasking may seem like a cognitive superpower that many people may believe they possess, but our perceptions of productivity may not reflect reality.
In the 21st century, with the advancement of technology, an increasing number of people resort to dual tasking to complete mundane daily tasks while simultaneously participating in engaging or enjoyable activities. These entertaining activities often include scrolling on social media, listening to music, watching videos, or engaging with other forms of media. This reliance on easily accessible smart devices has given rise to the widespread “media multitasker.”
The Brain and Multitasking
When we decide to focus on a task, various brain networks activate to manage attention and cognition. However, some tasks require more cognitive concentration than others. While some believe that multitasking strengthens neural networks and enhance their cognitive abilities to concentrate on multiple stimuli concurrently, the reality is that our brains are not physiologically programmed for multitasking. We are designed to be “monotaskers” and are meant to focus on completing one task at a time.
When attempting multiple tasks simultaneously, the networks within our brains become interfered with, leading to slower processing times. According to Kevin Madore, a senior research scientist for memory, multitasking and neuroscience, media multitasking is correlated with a higher percentage of errors in our ability to store and retrieve information in our brains due to this interference in our brain networks. When multiple tasks compete for our brain’s attention, overall performance for all activities is reduced.
Think of your brain like a computer. The more programs and internet tabs open and running, the slower the computer becomes. Only when you close out of your numerous tabs that the computer begins processing information at its normal speed. Multitasking similarly affects our brains.
Applications in the Modern World
As much as we may like to boast about our skills and abilities in tackling multiple tasks simultaneously, the research speaks for itself. Media multitaskers are not doing themselves any favors when they engage with their screens while doing other tasks. However, both children and adults often continue this juggling act in their daily lives. In a world where distractions and heavy workloads bombard our every move, it may be wise to find time to prioritize each task at hand independently and observe how productivity is enhanced.