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The Multitasking Myth

∞ posted 1 year ago in Concentration Dr. David Meyer Dr. Frank Ryan Matt Richtel Multi-tasking Multitasking Sue Shellenberger Terri Gross distracted driving BIN2010 Tweet Wall

by Randy Clark

It was reported last month that Dr. Frank Ryan, plastic surgeon to the stars, tweeted himself off a cliff. Recently, many states have passed laws regarding distracted driving. Some states have outlawed cell phone use in cars. At least one state outlawed teenage drivers from transporting teenage passengers for the first six months they drive. We all understand why, as distracted driving leads to mistakes. Yet, we see drivers talking on the phone, eating an egg McMuffin, and shaving as they pass you on the freeway! Multitasking diminishes the attention we pay to each task, while compounding the opportunity for mistakes. It does not work.

Obviously, multitasking does not play well with driving, but what about other tasks? Is it as obvious? In my opinion, multitasking does not work, but regardless (think flat earth society), scientific research supports this conclusion. Matt Richtel, the Pulitzer Prize-winning tech writer for The New York Times states, “While many people say multitasking makes them more productive, research shows otherwise. Heavy multitaskers actually have more trouble focusing and shutting out irrelevant information, scientists say, and they experience more stress.”

Are we getting stupider?
In an interview with Terri Gross of NPR’s Fresh Air, Richtel continues, “When you check your information, when you get a buzz in your pocket, when you get a ring — you get what they call a dopamine squirt. You get a little rush of adrenaline.” Richtel states, “Well, guess what happens in its absence? You feel bored. You’re conditioned by a neurological response: ‘check me, check me, check me, check me.’”

The Wall Street Journal’s Sue Shellenberger quotes in her article, “Multitasking Makes You Stupid” — “People who multitask are actually less efficient than those who focus on one project at a time.” Sometimes you have to multitask, right? Yes, but maybe not as often as you think. Before you attempt simultaneous tasks, stop and consider you are almost certainly diminishing both. Try this: Instead of multitasking — defined as attempting two or more activities simultaneously — complete one activity at a time. When you concentrate on one activity at a time, each activity will be improved.

 
What About Multitasking at Home With Dinner, Laundry, and a Toddler?
According to Dr. David Meyer, head of cognitive studies at the University of Michigan, “Some kinds of multitasking just don’t work very well. If the tasks require the same parts of the brain, such as two assignments that both draw on language skills, it’s going to be extremely hard to succeed efficiently. Listening for a child playing in the next room, while talking to your boss by phone, for instance, creates conflicting auditory-processing demands. How about sorting junk mail and listening to your child? We all do that, but we’re short-changing the child.” Can multitasking at home be reduced? I know, at least for me, I can accomplish more and do better when I concentrate on one task at a time. When I attempt to weed the garden and mow at the same time, I do a crappy job of weeding, mowing, or both. Of course, a stay-at-home parent may have a different view of multitasking. I do not have a toddler under foot and a five-year-old asking me, “why?” every two minutes, so I am unqualified to offer that advice. What advice can you share with the stay-at-home or working parent? How has multitasking worked or not worked for you?

One more Thing… Yes, The tweet Wall Was Distracting
My favorite tweet wall post at the recent highly informative BIN2010 Conference was, “this tweet wall is distracting me.” As much as I tried, I was distracted — and I observed others who did not have their full attention on the prez. Not only was the audience distracted, but the presenters were distracted, as well. Maybe it’s only the ADHD, but I’d like to know, do tweet walls distract you? Mr. Dorsey, tear down this wall!