Is multi-tasking a good thing? 

Many people believe that multitasking is the only way they cope in our world of task and information overload but the reality is that the brain is incapable of actually focusing on two things at the same time. A frontal part of the brain called Broadman’s Area 10 is supposedly responsible for the brain switching from task to task, and whereas we may think we are multitasking we are actually getting good at switching from task to task more seamlessly.

The current generation have seemingly started to use this part of the brain better than the previous generation, as switching from homework to Facebook, to using Skype on their phone are normal daily activities. Bilton says that our brains are adapting, not evolving but adapting to the increased stimulation that modern life brings. Video games may also be responsible for the development of multitasking capability in terms of attention, hand eye coordination and visual and spatial problem solving.

Aviable on: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=BCeGKxz3Q8Q

I recently saw Bilton speak at the Dublin Web Summit and at least 70% of the audience tapped away at their laptops, iPads or smartphones while he spoke. Some were note-taking, some were checking out his book or his website, and others were busy tweeting, blogging or communicating online in some form or another. I’m sure most attendees thought they were listening to the talk, but I believe that their attention was split and not all would remember what was said. They inevitably had to experience the “zone in” and “zone out” of task-switching to some degree.

Biography: 

• Crenshaw, D. (2014) Aviable 1st September of 2014 on: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=BCeGKxz3Q8Q
•  Conlon, C, (2015). So You Think You Can Multitask? Think Again.. Aviable 2015 on:  http://www.lifehack.org/articles/productivity/you-think-you-can-multitask-think-again.html