The Lie that is Multitasking
Why we cannot multitask
Multitasking is for clowns on unicycles. I am not trying to be funny here. While it is true that a person can ride a unicycle and juggle, this form of multitasking works because these behaviours are both mechanical and learnt.
In truth, multitasking is actually task-switching. Unfortunately our brains are not wired to perform multiple tasks (men or women are in the same boat here). At times when optimum brain power is required, multitasking (task-switching) actually saps brain energy.
Studies have shown that a person who is interrupted takes 50% longer to complete a task and makes twice as many errors in the process. It turns out the brain fails to process two simultaneous streams of information. The truth is that you are wasting rather than saving time by attempting to multitask.
Person who is interrupted takes 50% longer to complete a task and makes twice as many errors
So next time you’re about to break someone concentration at work think twice. By the end of the week a multitasker can look a bit like this…
