Some people are proud of their great ability to accomplish more than one task at the same time, and consider the “multitask” as something that distinguishes them from others and improves their chances in life and the labor market. On the other hand, others believe that focusing on one task is better in terms of productivity. The famous “lifehack” website decided it, stressing that science sees the “multitask” as just an illusion, and that its harms outweigh its benefits.
Initially, the site explained that a “multitask” is the pursuit of more than one task simultaneously, such as editing a document or answering emails while participating in a conference call.
And “lifehack” confirmed that the mind becomes less efficient and more prone to making mistakes when it is forced to switch between two or more tasks at the same time, noting that psychologists have noticed that cognitive problems occur when the mind is forced to accomplish more than one activity at a time, “it is hard for the brain.” ».
Psychologists liken it to an air traffic controller trying to track the movement of more than one plane at a time, “mental stress can lead to disaster in both cases.”
Specialists in cognitive neuroscience and psychology, according to the site, considered that the skill of multitasking is just a myth, convinced by many people worldwide.
The scientists explained: “We conducted several studies to find out how multitasking affects our brain, including research that focuses on the efficiency of the brain when a car driver tries to do a task other than driving at the same time, and it turns out that the concentration decreases significantly when a person tries to do more than one task at the same time. …so trying to multitask is definitely bad.”
It became clear that the attempts of young people to carry out many tasks at the same time may succeed and cause minor damage, but for the elderly, it may be destructive “multitasking becomes impossible with age.”
Multitasking can also be useful if you listen to the radio or music while driving, and deliberate distraction can help improve driving. You don’t have to put extra effort or use mental energy when listening to music. Listening to music” is possible.
Scientists emphatically assert that trying to accomplish more than one task, each of which requires focus, is harmful, and negatively affects productivity in all areas. They explained: “Multitasking has a bad effect on health because it leads to depression and social anxiety.” Also, people who try to multitask are more likely to experience mental health problems. In addition, multitaskers have less efficient memory, so their ability to retain information is also reduced.