The Myth of Multi-tasking: Is Doing More Actually Getting Less Done?

Multi-tasking

Responding to emails while attending an online meeting, at the same time planning a dinner with a friend all, while sipping coffee from the cup in your arms- we’ve all been there. In the hustle-bustle of today’s hyperconnected world, multi-tasking has become a default function mode for many. It is a common belief that getting multiple things at once means getting the most out of your day and saves you time. But have you ever paused to think, is this really true?

Does juggling multiple tasks simultaneously make you efficient or does it compromise your productivity and the ability to focus on one task? What if everything we believe about multi-tasking isn’t actually true? Science shows doing many things side by side may do more harm than good. Let’s dive deep into what science says about the myth of multi-tasking.

What is Multi-tasking?

Multi-tasking

Multi-tasking is the practice of performing multiple tasks at the same time. Multi-tasking requires managing many tasks which means switching focus from one task to another. For instance, a person may use a laptop to take notes for a PowerPoint presentation and a smartphone to respond to texts from colleagues while attending a meeting. It is a common misconception that multi-tasking indicates a high degree of cognitive capacity and that doing so helps enhance the brain’s capacity.

Science Behind Multi-tasking

When two tasks require competing attention, the brain processes involved typically switch, rather than concurrent functioning as many assume. The prefrontal cortex is widely regarded as the part of the brain that governs multitasking and shifting attention between different functions. Multitasking has been proven to degrade cognitive ability, with each changeover resulting in a drop in performance compared to executing one activity at a time. Research demonstrates that multitasking is much less effective than concentrating on a single task. It requires your brain’s frontoparietal control network, dorsal attention network, and ventral attention network to continuously reallocate resources [1].

How Does Multi-tasking Affect Your Everyday Activities?

Multi-tasking

Increased Stress & Anxiety

While you constantly shift focus between alternating tasks, it puts more pressure on your brain. Which results in increased levels of cortisol, also known as ‘the stress harmone’. The result? Memory lapses, reduced concentration, and difficulty managing emotions. The increased stress does not only overwhelm your brain but can also lead to several health issues in the long term.

Impaired Memory

When you’re continuously changing your focus, your brain fails to properly remember information. Multitasking can result in overstimulation of brain function. An excessive amount of information processing may cause the brain to lose its ability to distinguish between essential and less relevant information. To create lasting memories, our brains require concentrated attention. While dealing with several tasks at hand, your brain struggles to filter out irrelevant information resulting in flawed information retention..

More Likely To Make Mistakes

Even though multitasking can occasionally help you finish tasks ahead of schedule, it can also increase your risk of making mistakes. When you multitask, you may perform worse and make mistakes more often. Your brain is continually playing catch-up when you switch between tasks frequently. You are more prone to make mistakes when you resume a task since you are not entirely focused.

Reduced Productivity

One of the most ironic effects of multi-tasking is while you think you are more productive, getting more done at one time, but its actually the opposite. Your brain isn’t a Chrome browser that can keep multiple tabs running simultaneously. What it does, is rapidly switch your attention and focus between multiple tasks creating an illusion of multi-tasking. Thus, you are actually working on only one task at a time while worrying about different things you’ve overloaded your brain with. This not only affects the quality of the work but also makes you more prone to making errors. Moreover, constantly overstimulating the brain with multiple tasks and fragmented attention can negatively impact your creativity and problem-solving skills.  

Is Multi-tasking All Bad?

While there are many reasons to suggest that constantly multitasking may affect your work quality and make it more likely to make mistakes, it is not always bad. Multi-tasking is especially bad when multiple tasks at hand require an equal amount of focus and cognitive functions. For example, if a task is significant and requires your concentration, such as studying for a test, you should devote your full attention to it rather than multitasking.

However, in situations when one task is less important and does not put your brain through the same labor, it can work. Listening to the radio while driving through the traffic of the city is not a bad idea as it gives you information while you are focussed on the more important task at hand. Or tuning up your favorite track while you fold laundry helps you stay engaged in a such that you otherwise might find boring. Muti-tasking isn’t all bad; the key lies in knowing when to do it and how much your brain can handle at once.

FAQs

1. Is multitasking actually possible for the human brain?
Not really. The brain doesn’t truly multitask—it switches rapidly between tasks, which reduces accuracy, slows you down, and increases the chances of making mistakes.

2. Why does multitasking feel productive even if it’s not?
It gives a false sense of achievement because you’re juggling tasks. But in reality, it lowers focus and quality, making you less efficient overall.

3. How does multitasking affect memory?
Multitasking can impair your brain’s ability to store and recall information, especially when switching between mentally demanding tasks. It fragments attention and disrupts short-term memory.

4. Can multitasking lead to stress or burnout?
Yes. Constant task-switching puts mental pressure on your brain, activating stress responses and contributing to mental fatigue, anxiety, and long-term burnout.

5. Are there any situations where multitasking is okay?
Yes, if tasks are low-effort or routine—like listening to music while folding clothes. But avoid multitasking with tasks that require focus or decision-making.

6. How can I reduce multitasking and improve focus?
Try single-tasking: block distractions, use timers and prioritize tasks. Focused attention leads to better performance and less mental fatigue.

(The article is written by Ehsan Siddiqui, Team Lead, Clinical Health & Content and reviewed by Monalisa Deka, Senior Health Content Editor)

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References

1-Madore KP, Wagner AD. Multicosts of Multitasking. Cerebrum. 2019;2019:cer-04-19. Available online: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7075496/

2- Wetherell MA, Craw O, Smith K, Smith MA. Psychobiological responses to critically evaluated multitasking. Physiol Behav. 2017;182:130-7. Available online: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5432679/

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