Seeing is Believing

Allow me to guide you through a simple experiment. Grab a pen, some blank sheets of paper, and a timer on your phone. Find a quiet space and complete the following tasks at your own pace—there's no rush!

Tasks A and B - Task A: Start your timer. On a blank sheet, write down the lyrics of your favorite song or the directions to your favorite restaurant. Choose something that will take at least five minutes. Stop the timer and record the time taken. - Task B: On a second blank sheet, reset the timer and write the numbers from 200 down to 1. Once completed, stop the timer and note the time taken. - Add the time for A and B to find the total duration. Feel free to take a break if necessary.

Task C - When you’re ready to continue, take another blank sheet. I prefer using the timer for this segment. Set it for 30 seconds and write down the lyrics or directions from Task A. When time is up, immediately reset the timer for another 30 seconds to write the descending number sequence from Task B. Alternate this way until both tasks are complete, then sum the total time taken.

Comparison - Compare the total time for A and B with that for C (assuming you didn’t tear your papers in frustration). You’ve just gained valuable insights about multitasking myths and truths, which I will clarify shortly. First, let’s define some key terms.

Definitions

1. Unitasking (Serial processing): Addressing one task at a time (Tasks A and B).
2. Multitasking (Parallel processing): Engaging in multiple tasks simultaneously.
3. Task Switching: Alternating between multiple tasks, not simultaneously but in quick succession, as seen in Task C. Task Switching is often confused with multitasking.

Both tasks in the experiment (writing lyrics and numbers) require cognitive effort, which is why we categorize them as cognitive tasks. We will explore other types later.

Myth 1 — Cognitive Multitasking is Possible

Review the definition of multitasking. It is impossible to simultaneously think about song lyrics and a number sequence.

Truth Cognitive task switching is feasible. Although cognitive multitasking is unachievable, task switching can occur, though it comes with significant costs:

• Task switching consumes time. Our brain manages ‘executive control’, deciding resource allocation for tasks, which means switching makes the brain work harder.
• When shifting focus to the number sequence, a portion of your brain remains preoccupied with the song lyrics, known as residual attention. Conversely, anticipating the next task can create a stimulus preview, leading to premature cognitive engagement with the number sequence while still finishing the lyrics.
• Switching tasks is more stressful than maintaining focus on one task. If you performed this experiment, you likely felt the strain. Forced task switching, especially under pressure, is even more challenging than voluntary switching, like browsing social media!
• Leaving a task unfinished means you must remember your last point of focus. While the brain can ‘bookmark’ information, retrieving that point still requires effort.
• The experiment showcased simple tasks; however, task switching difficulty escalates with increased complexity or rules. For instance, if you were to write a decreasing number sequence while multiplying even numbers by 2, it would take significantly longer and be much more challenging when switching.
• The error rate is considerably higher during task switching compared to unitasking.

Lesson Are you convinced that focusing on one cognitive task at a time is more effective? Task switching entails substantial costs, making it easier and less taxing to engage in unitasking.

Myth 2 — Cognitive Multitasking Can Be Trained to Match Unitasking Efficiency

Not quite! If you have one brain (though yours may be superior), there are inherent structural limitations in how our brains operate and the amount of energy they can handle at any moment.

Truth While task switching cannot match unitasking efficiency, strategies can make it less cumbersome. With practice, task switching can become easier, but this requires consistently pairing the same two tasks in the same order. Since Task C is a repetition of A and B, it might feel simpler due to familiarity. If you had done Task C first, the experience would have been more challenging.

Age and working memory influence performance but not as significantly as younger generations believe!

Lesson Take intentional breaks but refrain from switching between cognitive tasks. Continuous focus on demanding problems can be mentally exhausting; therefore, work in focused intervals (30-40 minutes), take a break, and then return to the task. Understand the difference between a purposeful break and constant task switching.

Cognitive multitasking remains out of reach. What about other task types? Despite my newfound understanding of multitasking, I was left with a question: are we destined to tackle one task at a time? In my quest for answers, I discovered additional insights.

Beyond cognitive functions, our brains manage various sensory stimuli and motor tasks, including visual (eyes), auditory (ears), tactile (skin), and motor functions (arms and legs).

Myth 3: Performing Multiple Non-Cognitive Tasks Simultaneously is Possible

Unfortunately, no.

Truth It is feasible to perform tasks governed by different resource pools in the brain simultaneously, a concept known as multi-modal or cross-modal multitasking. However, there are limitations to this approach.

Examples of daily life might appear to showcase multitasking, such as walking (motor function) while listening to music (auditory). Yet, attempting to perform complex actions, like emulating silly walks while also trying to sing in tune, can lead to failure because you are attempting cognitive multitasking.

You can drive while listening to music but not watch television simultaneously, as the visual field is occupied with the road.

You can nod in agreement while listening to someone but cannot formulate a clever response at the same time. This might explain many marital disputes!

Recent advancements, such as smartwatches with haptic feedback, leverage the multimodal concept. For instance, you can receive heart rate alerts while running without needing to visually check your device.

Lesson You can pair specific tasks, especially routine ones, as long as they engage different sensory stimuli. However, note that you may not be as effective as when performing tasks individually.

Research on multimodal task effectiveness is ongoing, with findings indicating that some task pairs can complement each other, while others disrupt focus. For example, a cellphone notification may interrupt your concentration on a cognitive task, while white noise may enhance creativity in specific contexts.

Myth 4: Women Excel at Multitasking Compared to Men

This popular stereotype has been used for dramatic effect. However, it is unfounded.

Truth Gender plays no role in multitasking ability. In reality, multitasking diminishes performance for both men and women.

Lesson This serves as a broader life lesson: do not subscribe to gender stereotypes, whether about multitasking or other matters.

Myth 5: Multitasking Skills Improve with Practice

The adage “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again” doesn’t apply here.

Truth In fact, increased multitasking can worsen performance. Research by Clifford Nass indicates that habitual multitaskers struggle to filter important information, losing their ability to distinguish relevance. Ouch!

Lesson Avoid provoking the beast. Trust scientific findings and seek different challenges if you feel unfulfilled.

Myth 6: Multitasking is a Key Productivity Strategy

This belief stems from the assumption that successful individuals excel at multitasking or the fear of falling behind if they don’t.

Truth Multitasking is a productivity hindrance. Studies reveal that multitasking can reduce productivity by 30-40%. Regular multitaskers often see significant performance declines, with one study suggesting an IQ drop of 10-15 points after extensive cognitive multitasking.

Need I say more?

Lesson Productivity, by definition, is about enhancing efficiency. Research consistently shows that cognitive multitasking does not facilitate improved productivity.

Myth 7: The Art of Multitasking Can Be Taught

If you believe that proper techniques can rectify your multitasking struggles, I have disappointing news.

Truth The multitasking arena divides individuals into two groups: those who can multitask effectively and the vast majority who cannot. Only about 2% of the population are supertaskers, naturally predisposed to multitask efficiently. If you suspect you might be one, consider testing yourself, but be prepared for the potential consequences!

Lesson Some things are simply unattainable—don’t waste time trying.

Conclusion

Media multitasking is prevalent and continues to be a subject of evolving research. Gen Z and some millennials, identified as digital natives, often believe in their inherent multitasking capabilities. However, understanding the myths and truths of multitasking is crucial. If you or your teen frequently jump between devices, take a moment to reflect—because science suggests that this behavior could lead to a significant drop in cognitive function.

References:

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00426-018-0970-2 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5818435/#:~:text=While%20dual%2Dtask%20performance%20requires,with%20sequentially%20processed%20component%20tasks. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0220150 https://www.pnas.org/content/106/37/15583 https://www.talentsmart.com/articles/Multitasking-Damages-Your-Brain-and-Your-Career,-New-Studies-Suggest-2102500909-p-1.html