The multitasking myth is true that multitasking works?

Our current rhythm of life requires that we carry out multiple tasks, both daily and labor, sometimes at the same time. But is it really possible to dedicate our attention to several things at the same time?

Content

• What is multitasking?
• Works?
• Its effectiveness depends on the person?
  • References

What is multitasking?

Originally, this term was used in the computer scope to refer to operating systems capable of executing several tasks at the same time. However, today The term multitasking also applies to people.

This term refers to ability to carry out different tasks simultaneously and effectively. However, we must ask ourselves if this is really feasible and if it works for everyone.

At present, various companies are looking for employees with a multitask profile, since employees with this feature are considered to provide the company with the benefit of time savings in the performance of tasks.

Nevertheless, various studies have shown that the term multitasking is a myth, since human beings do not have the necessary capacity or attention to perform several tasks at the same time.

Thus, if we read emails while talking on the phone, our brain is not thoroughly used in any of these two tasks but, while performing one, pay less attention to the other.

Works?

According to various scientific studies and the United States National Security Council, among others, The human brain is unable to carry out several tasks simultaneously, since this decreases its performance.

What really happens when we try to do several things at once, is that Our brain quickly changes attention from one task to another, which drastically reduces productivity and increases the possibility of errors.

In addition, the human brain works so that, when facing several tasks, this sequence and prioritizes its realization, which means that it first completes an activity and then passes to another.

Therefore, when we constantly change task, what our brain does is dedicate attention to different degrees and in separate phases between these activities, with the consequence of Tasks are not performed efficiently.

Likewise, The brain needs some reaction time to move from one task to another, What causes, in addition to a loss of attention, misfortune (neurologically called interference) during the process.

Its effectiveness depends on the person?

Although, in general, the studies carried out on the effectiveness of Multitasking show that it is not really possible or effective, studies whose objective is test if this capacity can occur in certain people.

An investigation by two American universities, which was published in PLOS One, was based on the Study of interference in the multitasking process, And if it was possible to reduce them in order to be able to carry out several activities simultaneously.

However, this research showed that most people executing multitasking were victims of these interferences and, therefore, were not able to perform tasks efficiently and at the same time.

On the other hand, it has also been shown that Doing several things at once can have various disadvantages And it is not recommended. The reasons that occur to avoid multitasking are the following:

First, the attempt to perform several tasks at the same time It decreases our productivity, since we lose more time passing from one task to another than if we dedicate all our attention to complete an activity and then go to another.

This fact too decreases the quality of our work since, as we have mentioned before, the continuous change from one task to another makes us more likely to make mistakes.

Likewise, a person trying to do multitasking usually experiences stress, since this form of work makes us release cortisol, which is the hormone that regulates it, not being able to perform the task quietly while we focus on one thing.

This form of work also leads us to a decrease in enjoyment, since those who use multitasking are constantly under pressure. In addition, this is a form of work that reduces the levels of attention in any facet of our life.

Therefore, lack of attention can affect not only your working life, but also your personal and social relationships, since the brain will have more difficulty when focusing on one thing.

Finally, try to perform several tasks at the same time It can lead to hazards, especially if we talk about activities such as driving or cooking, which require all our attention.

In conclusion, it is not appropriate to use the term multitasking, since it is not something that the human brain can perform. Therefore, it would be more appropriate to talk about a effective sequencing of tasks To increase our productivity.

References

https: // www.Gwern.net/docs/psychology/2017-kirschner.PDF
https: // journals.PLOS.Org/Plosone/ARTICLE?id = 10.1371/Journal.places.0054402
https: // journals.PLOS.Org/Plosone/ARTICLE?id = 10.1371/Journal.places.0079583
https: // www.NCBI.NLM.NIH.GOV/PMC/ARTICLES/PMC4946337/
https: // www.NSC.Org/Road-Safety/Tools-RESARCES/INFOGRAPHICS/GREAT-MULTISKING-LIE
https: // www.Scientedirect.com/science/article/pii/s1364661303000287