Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsMultitasking and ProductivityBrain Function in MultitaskersBreak the HabitFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
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Table of Contents
Multitasking and Productivity
Brain Function in Multitaskers
Break the Habit
Frequently Asked Questions
Close
What Is Multitasking?Multitasking involves working on two or more tasks simultaneously, switching back and forth from one thing to another, or performing a number of tasks in rapid succession.
What Is Multitasking?
Multitasking involves working on two or more tasks simultaneously, switching back and forth from one thing to another, or performing a number of tasks in rapid succession.
What is it that makes multitasking such a productivity killer? It might seem like you are accomplishing multiple things at the same time, but what you are really doing is quickly shifting yourattentionand focus from one thing to the next. Switching from one task to another may make it difficult to tune out distractions and can cause mental blocks that can slow you down.
Examples of MultitaskingStarting two projects at the same timeListening to the radio while driving to workTalking on the phone while typing an assignmentWatching television while responding to work emailsScrolling through social media while in a meetingListening to a person talk while writing a to-do list
Examples of Multitasking
Starting two projects at the same timeListening to the radio while driving to workTalking on the phone while typing an assignmentWatching television while responding to work emailsScrolling through social media while in a meetingListening to a person talk while writing a to-do list
How Multitasking Hampers Productivity
Multitasking takes a serious toll onproductivity. Our brains lack the ability to perform multiple tasks at the same time—in moments where we think we’re multitasking, we’re likely just switching quickly from task to task.Focusing on a single task is a much more effective approach for several reasons.
Multitasking Is Distracting
Some research suggests that multitaskers are more distractible, and they may have trouble focusing their attention even when they’re not working on multiple tasks at once.
Other research shows that while there may be a connection between multitasking and distraction, that link is smaller than originally thought and varies quite a bit from person to person.
Multitasking Slows You Down
While it may seem contrary to popular belief, we tend to work slower and less efficiently when we multitask.Multitasking leads to what psychologists call “task switch costs,” or the negative effects that come from switching from task to task. We encounter task switch costs (like a slower working pace) because of the increased mental demand that’s associated with jumping from one thing to another.
Multitasking Impairs Executive Function
Moving through these stages may only add a few tenths of a second, but it can start to add up when people switch back and forth repeatedly. This might not be a big deal when you are folding laundry and watching television at the same time.
However, if you are in a situation where safety or productivity is important, such as when you are driving in heavy traffic, even small amounts of time can prove critical.
Multitaskers Make Mistakes
Multitasking may lower your performance and make you more prone to making mistakes.Research has shown that students who multitask in class tend to have lower GPAs (and, if they continue multitasking at home, they often take longer to finish their homework).
Adults may also experience lower performance while multitasking. One 2018 study found that older adults were likely to make more mistakes while driving if they were multitasking.
7 Tips for Becoming More Mentally Focused
Doing several different things at once can impaircognitive ability, even for people who multitask frequently. In fact, research suggests that people tend to overestimate their ability to multitask, and the people who engage in this habit most frequently often lack the skills needed to be effective at it.
What Is Parallel Processing in Psychology?
Chronic multitaskers tend to show moreimpulsivitythan their peers, and they may be more likely to downplay possible risks associated with tackling multiple things at once. They also seem to show lower levels of executive control and are often distracted easily.
Limitedcognitive resourcesmay be involved in this phenomenon.Several networks in the brain interact to guide our behavior whenever we set out to complete a task. This behavior includes:
When we try to engage in this process for multiple tasks at once, it can lead to cognitive errors. We might fail to disregard irrelevant information, for instance, which would lead to more distraction.
The research isn’t clear on the exact relationship between multitasking and brain function. It’s possible that chronic multitaskingchangesthe brain over time, leading to more distractibility and problems with focus, or it may be that people with these traits are more likely to multitask in the first place.
Teens and Multitasking
Media Multitasking
Some research suggests that people who engage in media multitasking (using more than one form of media or type of technology at once) might be better at integrating visual and auditory information.
In one study, participants between the ages of 19 and 28 were asked to complete questionnaires regarding their media usage.The participants then completed a visual search task both with and without a sound to indicate when an item changed color.
Heavy multitaskers performed better on the search when the sound was presented, indicating that they were more adept at integrating the two sources ofsensory information. Conversely, heavy multitaskers performed worse than light/medium multitaskers when the tone was not present.
Break the Multitasking Habit
If you feel like multitasking is negatively impacting your life, it is possible to make some changes that will increase your productivity and efficiency. Next time you find yourself multitasking, take a quick assessment of the various things you are trying to accomplish. Then, determine which task you need to focus on first. Try to:
Working on one task at a time may help you become more productive and it may make each task more enjoyable.
Frequently Asked QuestionsYes, it can be. Multitasking may reduce your ability to focus, increase feelings of stress, and exacerbate impulsiveness. It can also worsen your performance at work or school, which can lead to further negative feelings and anxiety.It means that, like most of us, their brain isn’t wired to work on multiple complex tasks simultaneously. We perform much better when we focus fully on one thing at a time.You should consider whether or not you’re really able to multitask before adding it to your resume. We have a tendency to overestimate our ability to multitask, and even people who think they’re skilled in this area often make mistakes or work inefficiently.
Yes, it can be. Multitasking may reduce your ability to focus, increase feelings of stress, and exacerbate impulsiveness. It can also worsen your performance at work or school, which can lead to further negative feelings and anxiety.
It means that, like most of us, their brain isn’t wired to work on multiple complex tasks simultaneously. We perform much better when we focus fully on one thing at a time.
You should consider whether or not you’re really able to multitask before adding it to your resume. We have a tendency to overestimate our ability to multitask, and even people who think they’re skilled in this area often make mistakes or work inefficiently.
Want to Be More Productive? Use Time Blocking to Keep Your Days Stress-Free
10 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Jeong S-H, Hwang Y.Media multitasking effects on cognitive vs. attitudinal outcomes: A meta-analysis.Hum Commun Res. 2016;42(4):599-618. doi:10.1111/hcre.12089Madore KP, Wagner AD.Multicosts of multitasking.Cerebrum. 2019;2019:cer-04-19.Moisala M, Salmela V, Hietajärvi L, et al.Media multitasking is associated with distractibility and increased prefrontal activity in adolescents and young adults.NeuroImage. 2016;134:113-121. doi:10.1016/j.neuroimage.2016.04.011Wiradhany W, Koerts J.Everyday functioning-related cognitive correlates of media multitasking: A mini meta-analysis.Media Psychol. 2021;24(2):276-303. doi:10.1080/15213269.2019.1685393Rubinstein JS, Meyer DE, Evans, JE.Executive control of cognitive processes in task switching.J Exp Psychol Human.2001;27(4):763-797. doi:10.1037/0096-1523.27.4.763Bellur S, Nowak KL, Hull KS.Make it our time: In class multitaskers have lower academic performance.Comput Hum Behav. 2015;53:63-70. doi:10.1016/j.chb.2015.06.027Wechsler K, Drescher U, Janouch C, Haeger M, Voelcker-Rehage C, Bock O.Multitasking during simulated car driving: A comparison of young and older persons.Front Psychol. 2018;0. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00910Sanbonmatsu DM, Strayer DL, Medeiros-Ward N, Watson JM.Who multi-tasks and why? Multi-tasking ability, perceived multi-tasking ability, impulsivity, and sensation seeking.PLOS ONE. 2013;8(1):e54402. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0054402Uncapher MR, Lin L, Rosen LD, et al.Media multitasking and cognitive, psychological, neural, and learning differences.Pediatrics. 2017;140(Supplement 2):S62-S66. doi:10.1542/peds.2016-1758DLui KFH, Wong AC-N.Does media multitasking always hurt? A positive correlation between multitasking and multisensory integration.Psychon Bull Rev. 2012;19(4):647-653. doi:10.3758/s13423-012-0245-7
10 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Jeong S-H, Hwang Y.Media multitasking effects on cognitive vs. attitudinal outcomes: A meta-analysis.Hum Commun Res. 2016;42(4):599-618. doi:10.1111/hcre.12089Madore KP, Wagner AD.Multicosts of multitasking.Cerebrum. 2019;2019:cer-04-19.Moisala M, Salmela V, Hietajärvi L, et al.Media multitasking is associated with distractibility and increased prefrontal activity in adolescents and young adults.NeuroImage. 2016;134:113-121. doi:10.1016/j.neuroimage.2016.04.011Wiradhany W, Koerts J.Everyday functioning-related cognitive correlates of media multitasking: A mini meta-analysis.Media Psychol. 2021;24(2):276-303. doi:10.1080/15213269.2019.1685393Rubinstein JS, Meyer DE, Evans, JE.Executive control of cognitive processes in task switching.J Exp Psychol Human.2001;27(4):763-797. doi:10.1037/0096-1523.27.4.763Bellur S, Nowak KL, Hull KS.Make it our time: In class multitaskers have lower academic performance.Comput Hum Behav. 2015;53:63-70. doi:10.1016/j.chb.2015.06.027Wechsler K, Drescher U, Janouch C, Haeger M, Voelcker-Rehage C, Bock O.Multitasking during simulated car driving: A comparison of young and older persons.Front Psychol. 2018;0. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00910Sanbonmatsu DM, Strayer DL, Medeiros-Ward N, Watson JM.Who multi-tasks and why? Multi-tasking ability, perceived multi-tasking ability, impulsivity, and sensation seeking.PLOS ONE. 2013;8(1):e54402. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0054402Uncapher MR, Lin L, Rosen LD, et al.Media multitasking and cognitive, psychological, neural, and learning differences.Pediatrics. 2017;140(Supplement 2):S62-S66. doi:10.1542/peds.2016-1758DLui KFH, Wong AC-N.Does media multitasking always hurt? A positive correlation between multitasking and multisensory integration.Psychon Bull Rev. 2012;19(4):647-653. doi:10.3758/s13423-012-0245-7
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Jeong S-H, Hwang Y.Media multitasking effects on cognitive vs. attitudinal outcomes: A meta-analysis.Hum Commun Res. 2016;42(4):599-618. doi:10.1111/hcre.12089Madore KP, Wagner AD.Multicosts of multitasking.Cerebrum. 2019;2019:cer-04-19.Moisala M, Salmela V, Hietajärvi L, et al.Media multitasking is associated with distractibility and increased prefrontal activity in adolescents and young adults.NeuroImage. 2016;134:113-121. doi:10.1016/j.neuroimage.2016.04.011Wiradhany W, Koerts J.Everyday functioning-related cognitive correlates of media multitasking: A mini meta-analysis.Media Psychol. 2021;24(2):276-303. doi:10.1080/15213269.2019.1685393Rubinstein JS, Meyer DE, Evans, JE.Executive control of cognitive processes in task switching.J Exp Psychol Human.2001;27(4):763-797. doi:10.1037/0096-1523.27.4.763Bellur S, Nowak KL, Hull KS.Make it our time: In class multitaskers have lower academic performance.Comput Hum Behav. 2015;53:63-70. doi:10.1016/j.chb.2015.06.027Wechsler K, Drescher U, Janouch C, Haeger M, Voelcker-Rehage C, Bock O.Multitasking during simulated car driving: A comparison of young and older persons.Front Psychol. 2018;0. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00910Sanbonmatsu DM, Strayer DL, Medeiros-Ward N, Watson JM.Who multi-tasks and why? Multi-tasking ability, perceived multi-tasking ability, impulsivity, and sensation seeking.PLOS ONE. 2013;8(1):e54402. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0054402Uncapher MR, Lin L, Rosen LD, et al.Media multitasking and cognitive, psychological, neural, and learning differences.Pediatrics. 2017;140(Supplement 2):S62-S66. doi:10.1542/peds.2016-1758DLui KFH, Wong AC-N.Does media multitasking always hurt? A positive correlation between multitasking and multisensory integration.Psychon Bull Rev. 2012;19(4):647-653. doi:10.3758/s13423-012-0245-7
Jeong S-H, Hwang Y.Media multitasking effects on cognitive vs. attitudinal outcomes: A meta-analysis.Hum Commun Res. 2016;42(4):599-618. doi:10.1111/hcre.12089
Madore KP, Wagner AD.Multicosts of multitasking.Cerebrum. 2019;2019:cer-04-19.
Moisala M, Salmela V, Hietajärvi L, et al.Media multitasking is associated with distractibility and increased prefrontal activity in adolescents and young adults.NeuroImage. 2016;134:113-121. doi:10.1016/j.neuroimage.2016.04.011
Wiradhany W, Koerts J.Everyday functioning-related cognitive correlates of media multitasking: A mini meta-analysis.Media Psychol. 2021;24(2):276-303. doi:10.1080/15213269.2019.1685393
Rubinstein JS, Meyer DE, Evans, JE.Executive control of cognitive processes in task switching.J Exp Psychol Human.2001;27(4):763-797. doi:10.1037/0096-1523.27.4.763
Bellur S, Nowak KL, Hull KS.Make it our time: In class multitaskers have lower academic performance.Comput Hum Behav. 2015;53:63-70. doi:10.1016/j.chb.2015.06.027
Wechsler K, Drescher U, Janouch C, Haeger M, Voelcker-Rehage C, Bock O.Multitasking during simulated car driving: A comparison of young and older persons.Front Psychol. 2018;0. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00910
Sanbonmatsu DM, Strayer DL, Medeiros-Ward N, Watson JM.Who multi-tasks and why? Multi-tasking ability, perceived multi-tasking ability, impulsivity, and sensation seeking.PLOS ONE. 2013;8(1):e54402. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0054402
Uncapher MR, Lin L, Rosen LD, et al.Media multitasking and cognitive, psychological, neural, and learning differences.Pediatrics. 2017;140(Supplement 2):S62-S66. doi:10.1542/peds.2016-1758D
Lui KFH, Wong AC-N.Does media multitasking always hurt? A positive correlation between multitasking and multisensory integration.Psychon Bull Rev. 2012;19(4):647-653. doi:10.3758/s13423-012-0245-7
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