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06.04.2023
Multitasking, the term actually comes from computer science, describes the seemingly parallel execution of several tasks. In reality, however, it usually involves rapid switching between tasks. The multiple resources approach states that different resources can work simultaneously, such as sensory and motor or cognitive processes. However, it is controversial whether central units responsible for distributing tasks can actually process multiple tasks in parallel.
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While the bottleneck theory (stating that the processing of the first stimulus must be completed before the second stimulus can begin to be processed) denies this, representatives of the capacity approach consider it possible as long as a certain total capacity of attentional and memory processes is not exceeded.
Generally, everyone is to some extent capable of doing several things at the same time. This applies especially to processes that take place at the margins and which we perceive through different senses. People can take a shower while singing loudly or iron a pair of shorts while listening to the news. Even a quick glance at the weather outside is usually still possible at the same time.
Even if the activities someone is doing have the same goal, with a little practice it's usually not difficult to do them more or less at the same time. An example: You are driving in your car and you see the traffic light at the intersection in front of you changing to red. The goal is then to bring the car to stop. Therefore, you brake and shift down a gear or disengage the clutch at the same time - this even requires the left foot and the right hand to be simultaneously supplied with information from the brain. Normally, this is not perceived as problematic.
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It quickly becomes difficult for our brain when it has to cope with complex tasks. Especially when it comes to decisions, it can easily become overwhelmed. Imagine you have to make an appointment on the phone and talk to your partner about dinner at the same time. These two decision-making processes cannot run simultaneously and must be completed one after the other. This means we have to focus on one thing and briefly interrupt the other.
A Swedish study showed that our brains are not capable of handling too many tasks at once. The participants of the study had to solve visual tasks in a quiet and a noisy environment, while the scientists took brain images. It turned out that the more complex the tasks were, the weaker the response of the brain to environmental sounds got. Which means that only one sense can perform at its full capacity at a time. That is why it's not a good idea to talk on the phone while driving.
Trying to do two or even three tasks at the same time is definitely not effective. Furthermore, research has shown that the brain needs even more time to switch back and forth between the different tasks. This means that if you keep interrupting one activity to move on to another, you will be less productive than someone who is not as easily distracted. The idea that multitasking is time-saving and effective can eventually be dismissed as a myth.
Multitasking and constant interruptions are not only the enemy of productivity and creativity. Multitasking can also lead to exhaustion and stress. This is no longer a secret and has been proven by numerous studies.
A new study recently published in the renowed scientific journal "Nature" also shows that multitasking weakens your memory. Particularly affected are adolescents who are often on the tablet, smartphone and in front of the TV at the same time. They have more difficulties concentrating on a specific task and remembering things than peers who rarely engage in media multitasking.
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But adults should also pay attention: They, too, can be assumed to suffer from the consequences of multitasking. So if you really want to be productive and creative, you should focus on just a single task!
Psychotherapist Edward Hallowell has diagnosed a new managerial disorder called Attention Deficit Trait (ADT), which causes an inability to concentrate in brain workers. Up to 40 percent of managers suffer from ADT, according to the former Harvard doctor. A study from King's College London shows that people are not made to communicate through multiple channels at once. In the study, one group of subjects received multiple emails while working, whereas the other group smoked joints. The results were surprising: the stoners performed better than the participants who were busy with their emails. This shows that emails can be worse than smoking weed.
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