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I don't doubt that multitasking makes us less efficient and more prone to mistakes, but the question is by how much? Sometimes it might be worth multitasking a

I don't doubt that multitasking makes us less efficient and more prone to mistakes, but the question is by how much? Sometimes it might be worth multitasking and being less efficient at both tasks. If I'm washing the dishes and listening to a podcast I'm completely okay if I'm at 80% efficiency at washing the dishes and paying attention to the podcast. Neither activity generally requires all my attention. The same goes for many other activities that we do. Playing a video game and listening to a lecture is probably still better than just playing the video game. Just don't expect to absorb the lecture as well as you would if you were to fully concentrate on it.

voakbasda 5y ago
More generally, multitasking can improve your outlook and mental well-being. Mix a fun task with a menial task, and the instantaneous toll of the work balances out better.
- katbyte 5y ago
  Yep. And actually provide some Motivation to do the task/help with procrastination.
- Blikkentrekker 5y ago
  World class chess players in tournaments often walk around during the game and do so on their own turn or go to the bar and have a drink. “I think better when I walk.” is a commonly heard statement; many research scientists when thinking about a problem also take a walk outside and find that thinking while walking improves it. But in soft science research without any real definitions it's of course quite easy to not incorporate such things because terms have no meaning and then say that “research proves it” while all it did is prove things about their ad hoc definition of “multitasking” which is far removed from the real world.
xyzzyz 5y ago
Yeah, I like listening to books when doing household chores, as I can do those almost entirely on autopilot, with very little thought required at all. I also listen to books when doing hobby woodworking, as most of the time spent is on rather menial tasks like sanding or planing. However, not all of it is like that, and you often need to focus, do some calculation or planning. During those times, I need to pause the book, as I can neither focus on it nor on the task at hand. Human bodies have lots of ability to multitask, it’s just their brains have very little.

voakbasda 5y ago

More generally, multitasking can improve your outlook and mental well-being. Mix a fun task with a menial task, and the instantaneous toll of the work balances out better.

katbyte 5y ago
Yep. And actually provide some Motivation to do the task/help with procrastination.
Blikkentrekker 5y ago
World class chess players in tournaments often walk around during the game and do so on their own turn or go to the bar and have a drink. “I think better when I walk.” is a commonly heard statement; many research scientists when thinking about a problem also take a walk outside and find that thinking while walking improves it. But in soft science research without any real definitions it's of course quite easy to not incorporate such things because terms have no meaning and then say that “research proves it” while all it did is prove things about their ad hoc definition of “multitasking” which is far removed from the real world.

xyzzyz 5y ago

Yeah, I like listening to books when doing household chores, as I can do those almost entirely on autopilot, with very little thought required at all. I also listen to books when doing hobby woodworking, as most of the time spent is on rather menial tasks like sanding or planing. However, not all of it is like that, and you often need to focus, do some calculation or planning. During those times, I need to pause the book, as I can neither focus on it nor on the task at hand. Human bodies have lots of ability to multitask, it’s just their brains have very little.