“I can’t tear myself up,” we scream from time to time, but in our hearts we are proud that we are able to handle several things at the same time as Julius Caesar. However, for the first time the word "multitasking", or "multitasking", began to be used in the sixties of the XX century. in the field of data processing. The translation task ("task") speaks for itself. The concept described the ability of a computer to perform several tasks simultaneously, but then they began to use this term in psychology. Multitasking in translation from English - "multitasking".
Multitasking and computer technology
However, in the field of data processing and in the field of human disability, this concept is different. The first implies that multitasking is a mode in which more than one task is in processing, but they are not performed simultaneously, but in turn. The illusion of parallel execution of tasks is created due to the frequent switching of the central processor from one task to another. Task in translation from English, as we have already found out, is “task” or “task”.
Multitasking mode
Psychologist Reginald Tapas said with confidence that multitasking is a feeling of omnipotence. Psychologists compare a person working in multitasking mode with the image of a human computer who is not afraid of any life obstacles. In the modern world, people are already used to reading on the go, sending messages while driving, playing games and simultaneously talking on the phone, performing many tasks at once. All this, it would seem, is simple and easy, but only because of this "multitasking" serious errors are made in the documentation or car accidents occur.
In fact, a person, like a computer, works in multitasking mode, switching from one case to another again and again, and does not perform several tasks at the same time.
What does science say?
In truth, the human brain is simply not able to handle more than two complex tasks at one time. This conclusion was made by scientists from the National Institute of Health and Medical Research in Paris. The experiment of the scientists was quite simple: the participants performed two tasks at the same time, and the professors watched their brain activity. A functional magnetic resonance imager was used to study. During the experiment, it was found that while simultaneously performing two tasks, the brain activates two frontal lobes for work. Since the minimum program was completed, the next goal was for the participants of the experiment in multitasking to complete three tasks simultaneously. However, the experiment was unsuccessful, the subjects constantly forgot about one of the three tasks and made serious mistakes. As a result, scientists came to the conclusion that a person can switch between two things quickly and clearly, but he can no longer pull a larger amount of brain. This fact is explained quite simply: all because we have only two frontal lobes that can be involved in the process of brain activity. But still, who did several things at the same time? The first one that comes to everyone's mind is Julius Caesar.
What can constant switching result in?
The executive functions of the brain are responsible for switching from one task to another. The essence of these functions is to control mental activity. Thanks to this, people are determined when, how and in what sequence to carry out the tasks.
Control of thought processes
Multitasking is an executive control function that takes place in two stages:
- Initially, the decision comes to do a specific business, then the target changes to another task.
- Then a new role of multitasking is activated - this is a transition from the rules of the previous task to the rules of the new one.
Usually it takes several tenths of a second to switch between goals, but if a person switches often enough, the brain starts to work more slowly. The switching time is gradually increasing.
Naturally, a person may not pay attention to this slow operation if, for example, he is washing dishes and watching a film at the same time. However, things take a completely different turn when security plays an important role. Who does several things at once? For example, a driver who drives and talks on the phone: in critical situations, even a split second can become decisive and entail irreparable events.
Disadvantages of multitasking
Despite the fact that many businessmen, employers, and professors praise the so-called multitasking work, this “superpower” has its drawbacks. Due to the fact that in multitasking mode we just quickly switch from one task to another, the brain works more slowly, productivity decreases. That's because we have to recall information that relates to the task we are switching to again. That is why the brain gets tired much faster than with concentrated and concentrated work on one thing.
No concentration and concentration
For those people who get used to working in multitasking mode, focusing on one task becomes a problem. In an ordinary average person, the brain can ignore signals that are unnecessary to solve the task and can concentrate solely on one goal. But, when the habit of working in multitasking mode is developed and many tasks are performed at once, the brain begins to get confused and does not always understand which information is important for solving the problem and which should be ignored.
Multitasking = lack of willpower
When the brain gets used to multitasking, the person’s attention is scattered, and decision-making processes, critical and rational thinking are slowed down. The brain quickly gets tired, and willpower slides to zero. In this case, due to a decrease in willpower, a person is in decline, in a bad mood. These negative emotions deprive of motivation, as a result, everything grows like a snowball, superimposed on each other, which leads to a decrease in willpower.
How to learn focus and concentration
Such a bad habit as spraying attention can be adjusted, you should only follow these rules:
- The most important tasks are in the morning. Make it a habit to make a to-do list for a day, for a week in the evening. The most difficult and important tasks must be completed in the morning, in the first hours of the working day. In this case, you don’t have to worry that you won’t have time or let someone down, everything will be under control.
- Get rid of everything that distracts. For example, if you are a big fan of flipping through a news feed on Facebook or Instagram, it’s best to turn them off while you work. Social networks and funny videos only interfere, but do not help.
- Learn to think strategically so as not to confuse important matters with urgent ones. Only with strategic thinking can a person plan for the long term, which will make it possible to clearly understand which tasks need to be done right away and which ones to leave for later. Only by focusing can a person do much more than by focusing his attention on several things at once.
- Do not forget about the rest! Of course, the hard work has not harmed anyone, but no one canceled the rest. Take short breaks and don't forget about one day off per week to regain your strength and work even harder. And of course, the best way to relax is a full eight-hour sleep.
To work more efficiently, the need for multitasking should be minimized.
How to work productively
To reduce the need to work in multitasking mode and increase your productivity, you should pay attention to these tips:
- The best start is preparation. Even worse, if we do not finish one thing and immediately proceed to another. If you start work on a project without the necessary information and strategy, you may not finish what you started. Therefore, before embarking on a new, previously unexplored task, carefully study what you have to work with and draw up an action plan.
- Do not seek to start new business until the previous ones are closed. This will lead to a lot of confusion and minimal results.
- Nowhere without a priority system. Each employee has a significant role in the overall work and must clearly understand what is required of him. Set priorities correctly and prioritize daily or weekly.
Of course, there is nothing wrong with working in multitask mode at some points if necessary. However, it is not worthwhile to allow multitasking of a person to absorb every sphere of life. Especially while working on serious projects. The multitasking trap has not yet been fully explored.
False multitasking
American psychologists Sunbonmatsu and Strayer concluded that there is a type of people who are prone to "false multitasking." They are characterized by specific features:
- Such people cannot keep their attention on one thing for a long time.
- They do not tolerate the routine, monotonous work.
- They are constantly looking for new sensations and do not stand still.
- Often they act impulsively without thinking, it is also difficult for them to control themselves.
People prone to false multitasking are guided by the quick receipt of rewards or approval. They do not take into account the risks that a job can carry. If in the morning you try to do everything possible and impossible, and in the evening you find that half of the tasks need to be transferred to tomorrow - multitasking is not for you. On the one hand, such work in multitasking mode is tempting, and on the other, it brings chaos.