The Downside of Multitasking

Multitasking – doing two or more activities at once – has become part of the way of doing things.

There’s no way to completely avoid multitasking, but I have often argued against excessive multitasking. My reason is simple: it’s difficult for a person to do two things at the same time equally well. If you doubt me, just think about all the times that slow drivers were yacking on their cell phones in front of you. Their driving suffered because their phone call dominated their attention. You’re no better if you try to multitask.

Recently, researchers at Stanford University in California compared college students who did a lot of multitasking with those who did very little. The researchers figured that students who did the most multitasking would be better at it. They were wrong. It turned out that the students who did the most multitasking weren’t very good at it. The more they multitasked, the worse they were in terms of being easily distracted and filtering out irrelevant information, according to an article in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Why the surge in multitasking, including texting while driving, in recent years?

I believe there are two reasons. One, many new technologies, such as email, cell phones, and texting have encouraged distracting, impulsive-addictive behavior. Two, poorer eating habits, including excessive amounts of caffeine and junk foods low in B vitamins and omega-3 fats, have altered the biochemistry of millions of brains, leaving many people more susceptible to distractions and uncomfortable simply being alone with their thoughts. The solution? Healthier foods, perhaps some supplements, and learning to be mindful and in the moment.