What is multitasking?
According to (Cherry, K. 2019), multitasking can be summarized as follows:
- Doing more than one task at the same time
- Performing a variety of tasks quickly and continually
- Changing back and forth from one thing to another
Why do people multitask?
People can fulfill their tasks in a short time when they use multitasking. Experts can complete multiple tasks simultaneously, and other tasks can also be done at the same time. People have a number of things to do regularly, and it is inefficient to set aside time for them. So, those kinds of things need to be multitasked (Bhardwaj, A. 2022).
What is the biggest problem when people multitask?
Multitasking causes a big problem in productivity. People’s brains do not have enough capacity to do multiple tasks or jobs simultaneously. When they multitask, there is a high possibility that they will switch quickly between tasks. With this considered, we can say that focusing on one thing is more effective for a variety of reasons.
Multitasking is distracting
People who multitask can feel more distracted than others. This makes sense considering that multitasking people focus again on new tasks from their original tasks whenever they do new tasks.
Multitasking slows you down
Although it may seem different from what most people think, when people multitask, they tend to do their tasks slower and inefficiently. Multitasking causes what psychologists call “task switch costs,” or the negative impacts that occur from switching from one task to another. People face task switch costs (such as slower working speed) due to the increased mental demand that’s related to moving from one thing to another.
Multitasking impairs executive function
The executive functions of the brain oversee multitasking. These determine when, how, and in what order specific tasks are performed, and the cognitive process is controlled and managed.
Executive control program has two steps:
Goal moving: Deciding to do one tasks instead of another task
Rule activation: Altering from the regulations for the previous work to the regulations for the new work.
Multitaskers make mistakes
People who multitask are more likely to make mistakes and may have lower performance. According to studies, most students who do many things in class have low GPAs (and, if they still multitask while doing their homework at home, they will spend a long time finishing it.)
Likewise, when adults multitask, it can lead to lower performance.
A 2018 study showed that the elderly can make more mistakes if they multitask while driving (Cherry, 2019).
Conclusion
Today, people have a lot of things to do on a regular basis, and time is limited. Therefore, most people think that when they multitask, they can finish their tasks faster. However, as you work back and forth, you cannot concentrate on your tasks. As a result, it takes longer than when you don’t multitask. Thus, it is more effective to focus on one task and start another rather than try to do many things at once.
Reference
Bhardwaj, A. (2022). Pros And Cons Of Multitasking | Benefits and Disadvantages. [online] StartupTalky. Available at: https://www.startuptalky.com/pros-cons-multitasking/#What_is_Multitasking? [Accessed 13 Jul. 2022]
Cherry, K. (2019). The Cognitive and Productive Costs of Multitasking. [online] Verywell Mind. Available at: https://www.verywellmind.com/multitasking-2795003 [Accessed 13 July 2022].
