Hard Pill To Swallow: You’re Not As Good At Multitasking As You Think

If you have ever attempted to answer a text message while attending a Zoom lecture, but accidentally replied to your boss with the message intended for your best friend… then you have fallen victim to the unfortunate mistake of multitasking. Despite its common, nearly subconscious use, multitasking doesn’t make us more efficient; instead, it results in us completing several tasks poorly.

But with this information, the question we should then ask ourselves is, where did the myth of multitasking come from?

Oxford Dictionary highlights that in the 1960s, the first use of the word “multitasking” was used to describe the ability of a computer to perform multiple tasks at once; then, in later years, it was applied to human tasks and challenges. It quickly became a sought-after trait in the workforce, as employers believed that doing more things at once resulted in greater productivity. Quickly, multitasking became glorified in modern culture, despite the truth that our brains are not wired to handle multiple tasks at the same time.

In truth, the brain is designed to handle information sequentially, but often we overload and try to input information simultaneously. The American Psychological Association explains that when we try to multitask, we engage in “task-switching,” which disrupts focus, productivity, and the thought process. One may think they are exceptionally good at talking on the phone while driving, but in reality, task switching allows their brain to flip their focus back and forth, while never giving one task their complete attention. This shows that, while the brain is complex and incredibly adaptable, there are severe cognitive limitations with information reception. 

The American Psychological Association also noted a 2001 experiment by Joshua Rubinstein, PhD, Jeffrey Evans, PhD, and David Meyer, PhD, which combined the researcher’s four prior studies. Their participants experienced decreased efficiency and poor results when transitioning from one task to another, and switching between complex tasks took significantly longer. Additionally, when switching to tasks participants were less familiar with, both time and efficiency were affected. 

The Cleveland Clinic reports that only 2.5% of people, approximately 195 million globally, can accurately multitask. For the rest of us, we are merely good at doing tasks in rapid succession, never truly focusing on what is in front of us. The unfortunate validity is that the more we try to multitask, the less we complete. Multitasking often leads to more mistakes and errors, affecting long-term goals and plans. It can also lead to increased burnout and stress, as the act of switching between tasks takes more effort than completing one task, and then moving to the next. 

So, if we know multitasking is ineffective, why do we still do it? The simple answer is that it makes us feel good. The increased dopamine levels we experience when completing multiple tasks are rewarding to the brain, but unfortunately, they also help to solidify bad habits and push the brain to do it again. The sheer number of tasks completed gives the mind a false sense of completion and productivity, even though the quality of work is often poor.

Making positive changes and stopping multitasking is easier said than done, but there are extreme benefits to focusing on one task at a time. Not only does the standard of your work improve, but you will find yourself completing tasks faster and more efficiently. This increases overall satisfaction with the work, and soon, the dopamine levels you feel from partially completing multiple assignments will match or exceed the satisfaction of completing one task extremely well.

Changing for the better should not be done alone, though. Tools and techniques are littered throughout the internet that have exponentially increased readers’ productivity, (just take some time to find the right path for your learning). One important time management tool is The Pomodoro Technique, created by Francesco Cirillo in the 1980’s, and is still used today in many classrooms and workplaces. The idea behind it is simple, utilizing short time intervals (usually 25 minutes), and paired with short breaks (5 minutes). This technique aids the mind in keeping it focused and connected to the task ahead, while also decreasing the ability to procrastinate or task switch. Those who use The Pomodoro Technique say it helps to: 

1. Enhance time management skills
2. Lower stress levels at work
3. Strengthen communication and flexibility
4. Boost adaptability across different tasks

Along with the Pomodoro Technique and other time management tools, prioritizing tasks and scheduling can help maintain productivity and reduce the need for multitasking. As college students, finding ways to complete all the assignments and work given to you is not an easy task, but remind yourself that multitasking is not the appropriate answer. In a pinch, prioritize, focus, and take short breaks to quickly finish one assignment before moving on to the next. Task switching is proven to decrease productivity and yield negative results, and your grades will soon start to reflect that.