By: Kyleigh Ing
TLC network showcases large families like the Duggars (19 Kids and Counting), Busbys (OutDaughtered) and Waldrops (Sweet Home Sextuplets) that differ from the standard American family. The mothers especially, have quite a large responsibility to fulfill and are expected to multitask to get everything done. However, while it was once thought multitasking was the solution to complete everything within their deadlines, it has now proven to be more of an inconvenience that it is worth.
Multitasking is not realistic and only about 2.5% of the population is able to do so effectively. This is because switching between tasks, especially as they increase in complexity, creates more room for errors and requires more time to process the tasks at hand. Working on multiple things at once divides the brain’s attention, requiring more time to complete the many tasks. The tasks at hand can overwhelm the mind and can cause a lack of organization, and make it harder to isolate the important information.
It is common to multitask when performing daily, basic activities such as listening to music while washing the dishes or exercising while watching a movie. However, with more complicated tasks like learning a new skill for the first time, it can cause distractions which will take away from the ability to learn.
Trying to execute multiple assignments at once can also lower IQ. Studies have shown that multitasking during cognitive tasks results in the equivalent IQ decline as someone getting no rest the night before or smoking marijuana. IQ has also been seen to drop to that of the average 8-year-old child when multitasking.
Aside from a decline in intelligence, there have been physical impacts that have been linked with trying to tackle too much at the same time. Frequently, multitasking using multiple devices at the same time resulted in lower brain density in the area that affects empathy, cognitive control, and emotional control. It is not definite if this brain damage is sustained from multitasking or has been developed and is what causes people to multitask.
It is a struggle to attempt multitasking, and while sometimes it can allow us to incorporate hobbies into the busy schedule of life, it is most often a nuisance. In most situations, focusing on a single task at a time and finishing it efficiently without sacrificing the quality will leave more time for other, more enjoyable, activities to do afterwards. Sometimes multitasking is inevitable, but when it can be, it should be avoided; unless the person is part of the 2.5% that can do so effectively.
Works Cited
Bradberry, Travis. “Multitasking Damages Your Brain and Career; New Studies Suggest.” Forbes, 8 October 2014, https://www.forbes.com/sites/travisbradberry/2014/10/08/multitasking-damages-your-brain-and-career-new-studies-suggest/?sh=7fa8ceae56ee. Accessed 23 October 2022.
“Why Multitasking Doesn't Work – Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials.” Cleveland Clinic, 10 March 2021, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/science-clear-multitasking-doesnt-work/. Accessed 23 October 2022.
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