10 Reasons why Multitasking is a Myth

We all do it. Texting and having dinner… talking on the phone and doing homework… updating Instagram and walking the dog… Although you may feel like you are maximising your time, research has shown that you are probably not being as efficient as you could be and you may be damaging your health.

Students who take their time to stay focused and complete one task at a time are more likely to get better results. 

Keep reading to find out 10 reasons why multitasking is a myth. 

10 reasons why multitasking is a myth

  1. Multitasking should be called task switching: Because you are not ‘multitasking’ you are switching between tasks. Switching between tasks takes up energy and therefore your energy is being expended between tasks rather than on the actual tasks.  
  2. It is slowing you down: Everything you do requires you to adopt a particular mindset, once you are in that mindset it is more effective to stay in it rather than switching to something else. 
  3. You are making mistakes: Studies have shown that task switching can cause a 40% reduction in productivity, which can cause you to make errors. 
  4. It is stressing you out! Trying to do too many things at once is stressful, not to mention the stress surrounding the consequences of task switching. Are you fully prepared for that Biology test? You know the one you studied for whilst watching the footy? #stressful
  5. You are missing out: Simply put, if you are constantly on your phone – you are not fully engaged in your life.
  6. Your memory might suffer: According to research, interrupting one task to start on another can be enough to disrupt short-term memory. 
  7. It is hurting your relationships: Do everyone a favour and put your phone down. At least during dinner time or when someone is trying to have a conversation with you. Even ‘quickly checking a message’ can be hurtful if someone is trying to chat. 
  8. It can make you overeat: If you are eating and for example, checking facebook your brain will not register that you are eating and so there is a higher chance that you will feel less full and be tempted to keep on going.
  9. It is limiting your creativity: Task switching takes up a lot of short term working memory and when this is all used up it can impact your ability to think creatively and problem solve.   
  10. It is dangerous! One in five teenagers who have been hit by a car admitted that they were looking at their device prior to the accident. 

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