The multitasking illusion

The art of multitasking is a skill desired by many. The phrase originated in the 1960s to refer to computer operating systems that could execute multiple tasks simultaneously. However, in the 21st century, multitasking is more frequently used to describe a skill harnessed by people.

And rightly so: we currently live in a world saturated with information and data, more of which demands or attention than ever before. In fact, a piece of research demonstrated that, in 2011, adults in the US absorbed five times as much information per day as adults did back in 1986. That's an amount of information equivalent to 174 newspapers. And this was in 2011; it's likely that we're bombarded with even more information on a daily basis now.

The illusion exposed

In response to this, multitasking seems like an efficient way to get things done and we may even envy those around us who appear to possess this skill. However, research suggests that it is a biological impossibility for humans to multitask and what you’re actually doing is quickly shifting your attention from one task to another and back again. When you switch between tasks, your brain first has to process that you need to change tasks, activate the rules for the new task, and remember where it got up to the last time. Although these may seem like fairly quick, subconscious processes, they take their toll on your cognitive processing ability and can be costly when you repeatedly switch back and forth between tasks.

The limits of human capacity

The truth is this: we all have a limited amount of cognitive bandwidth and attempting to fulfil the human illusion of multitasking leads to a negative impact on productivity, error rate, critical thinking skills, and concentration. Leading psychologist and neuroscientist, Daniel Levitin, posits that the processing capacity for an average human is around 120 bits per second (how much information we can consciously absorb in a given time). A standard human conversation, where you're paying attention and trying to understand your conversation partner, requires 60 bits per second. That's half of our processing power. So, while we're also drafting an email and keeping an eye on the kids in the background at the same time, something's most certainly not capturing our attention.

Understandably, research also shows that people who frequently attempt multitasking struggle to filter out distractions and even when asked to focus on a single task, they are less efficient. Researchers concluded that attempting to multitask changes how the brain functions, leading to decreased productivity even when focused on a single task. Our brains are simply not designed to multitask; attempting to do so can even result in increased stress and burnout.

How to focus better and avoid attentional loss

Fortunately, there are several things we can do that will allow us to focus better and avoid the pitfalls of multitasking, including:

Removing temptation

You knew it was coming… put that phone away! And before you negotiate a 'more reasonable' compromise with yourself, it’s not enough to put it on vibrate - even the sound of it buzzing away is a distraction that will reduce your productivity. Research has also shown that, if it’s still within sight, even turning your phone off drains your cognitive resources because your brain has to actively avoid reaching for it. So, keep it out of sight!

Being mindful of emails

Most people recognise the intrusive use of phones. We’re all guilty of stopping our work to send a quick text or to succumb to a quick glance at a new notification, but when we’re working on a computer, it’s also important to be aware of emails. Desktop notifications are notifications nonetheless; arguably, they are designed to interrupt what we’re doing and draw us into the trap of switching between tasks. A study found that a task interrupted by email takes one third longer to complete, so setting time aside to proactively check your emails can allow you to turn off desktop notifications, protecting your workflow from being interrupted.

Working in intervals

Scheduling time to check emails also allows you to have clear periods of focus for different tasks. Try deciding how long you will spend on a task before you begin and, if you’re really committed, set a timer. If you do find yourself losing focus, try and avoid scrolling social media as a pastime and try alternatives such as getting up and briefly walking around, making yourself a cup of tea or trying some quick and easy exercises. The brain is like a muscle – it gets better at the things you practice until they become habitual.

Keeping a pen and paper on-hand

We've spoken about the limit of human processing capacity. It's the same for our working memory - it's limited. One of the most effective and powerful ways we can 'expand' our capacity is by transferring our thinking from inside our mind and into the physical world. This is why we have folders on our PC, filing cabinets, and for some people, scraps of paper strewn about different rooms with ambiguous notes scribbled onto them. So, keep a pen and paper by your side. It's the inopportune moments that many of us will have an epiphany on how to solve a stubborn problem, have a great idea, or remember that that washing is still hanging outside. It sounds simple, but it's incredibly effective.

Multitasking may appear to be the most productive way to get things done, but the research demonstrates that this isn’t true. The reality is that, for humans, multitasking is simply an illusion; it reduces productivity and drains cognitive resources whilst increasing stress and burnout in the long run. In multitasking, we compromise the quality of what we're doing on all the tasks we engage in. So, try giving your full attention to each task and watch your productivity soar!