The Myth of Multitasking
The Myth of Multitasking, an article by Christine Rosen expresses peoples’ attempt to work like computers; executing multiple tasks concurrently in a shorter time span. Multitasking is the ability to swing attentions in between tasks by evaluating the importance of the tasks on hand and prioritising them.
Technology has made it possible to multitask and soon, corporate workers began to include multitasking as a proficiency to portray themselves as tech savvy and efficient. The article “Who can remember life before Multitask” in the New York Times Magazine, 2001, suggested ideas on how to make use of the “multitasking hot spot” section of the brain. However, multitasking can prove to be dangerous such as driving while on the phone. Studies performed by Vanderbilt University showed that multitasking led to time lost as the brain establishes which job to execute resulting in a $650 billion lost in the US economy every year. Psychologist David Meyer, in his research stated that multitasking causes stress and long-term health problems resulting in short-term memory loss which is also mentioned in a 2005 report on BBC. Psychology professor, Russell Poldrack also found that multitasking affects learning thus making it rigid causing difficulty to retrieve information.
William James, psychologist, mentioned in “In the Principles of Psychology” (1890), that the way to overcome multitasking is to transfer distraction to attention. He stated that in order to do this, one must be disciplined. James also pointed out that in the future, people will adjust and acknowledge multitasking as part of everyday life as echoed by Psychologist David Meyer who believes that the human brain can learn to switch in between tasks more effectively with
Technology has made it possible to multitask and soon, corporate workers began to include multitasking as a proficiency to portray themselves as tech savvy and efficient. The article “Who can remember life before Multitask” in the New York Times Magazine, 2001, suggested ideas on how to make use of the “multitasking hot spot” section of the brain. However, multitasking can prove to be dangerous such as driving while on the phone. Studies performed by Vanderbilt University showed that multitasking led to time lost as the brain establishes which job to execute resulting in a $650 billion lost in the US economy every year. Psychologist David Meyer, in his research stated that multitasking causes stress and long-term health problems resulting in short-term memory loss which is also mentioned in a 2005 report on BBC. Psychology professor, Russell Poldrack also found that multitasking affects learning thus making it rigid causing difficulty to retrieve information.
William James, psychologist, mentioned in “In the Principles of Psychology” (1890), that the way to overcome multitasking is to transfer distraction to attention. He stated that in order to do this, one must be disciplined. James also pointed out that in the future, people will adjust and acknowledge multitasking as part of everyday life as echoed by Psychologist David Meyer who believes that the human brain can learn to switch in between tasks more effectively with