It’s a big word in the modern age where we’d all like to think we’re experts at doing multiple things at once, but is multitasking even a thing?
“Task-switching” = losing productivity
Here’s the news: the evidence out there says there’s no such thing as multitasking. Psychology research shows that we can attend to only one cognitive task at a time. What we call “multitasking” is actually just switching back and forth between tasks quickly. Which isn’t a problem… except we lose time with each switch. It may only be 1/10th of a second, but it adds up fast — just consult your own experience.
Busy brains
It’s been found that multitasking increases production of the stress hormone cortisol and the fight-or-flight hormone adrenaline, which can lead to the brain literally “overheating” and thus foggy mental processing. Not so great for doing well on that final exam.
Not only that, but multitasking also taxes the pre-frontal cortex — the part of the brain that integrates information. Wonder why that question took you so long? Your capacity for problem-solving decreases with the number of things you try to do at the same time.
The culprit: technology
We all know it: the “need” to multitask is driven largely by the tech takeover of recent years. I mean, smartphones were practically invented for multitasking — or, more accurately, for giving the illusion of multitasking. As if it’s not enough that we face constant information overload, technology also hands us decision overload. Do I check that email? Read that text? Return that Snapchat? Post that Instagram? These are all tasks that require switching in and out of.
So what’s the verdict on actually being productive (rather than just thinking we are)? Here’s some documented advice:
- Try “batch processing”. For example, have set times during the day for checking and dealing with emails.
- Use concentrated time. Block off time for working on just one task. *Warning: this may require turning off your phone.
- Do what’s most important first. Make goals for the day and accomplish them. The sense of achievement will keep you off anxiety-driven multitasking.
Your turn.
What are your thoughts on task-switching as opposed to multitasking? How does multitasking affect your productivity?
