Multitasking: What it is, risks and reasons not to do it

O multitasking – the ability to multitask – seems like a quick fix for the busy lives many lead.

The idea of increasing productivity by doing several things at once is seductive, especially in the business world.

However, science and recent studies show that the human brain is not programmed to work this way effectively.

In this article, we will explore what is multitasking, its risks and the reasons why it may not be as beneficial as believed.

What is it Multitasking?

O multitasking It involves performing multiple tasks at the same time, such as responding to emails while participating in a video conference or switching between different projects during work hours.

Although this practice suggests that we are saving time, in reality, it can have the opposite effect.

The human brain does not process simultaneous tasks as efficiently as it processes tasks in sequence.

According to a study by University of Utah, people who try to do multiple activities at once often end up doing each of them less effectively.

Furthermore, the constant switching of focus, necessary in multitasking, can negatively affect the ability to maintain prolonged attention on a specific task, impairing productivity.

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Risks of Multitasking

The habit of performing multiple tasks simultaneously may seem like a good idea, but it is associated with significant risks, both to efficiency and health.

1. Decline in Work Quality:

This “skill” reduces the quality of work because it disperses attention, preventing full focus from being given to any task.

Professions that require precision, such as medical fields, engineering or even writing, can suffer serious impacts when trying to perform multiple tasks at the same time.

Lack of full concentration causes important details to be overlooked, which increases the likelihood of errors.

2. Cognitive Overload and Mental Exhaustion:

One of the biggest consequences of multitasking is cognitive overload.

The brain, when forced to change context repeatedly, uses more energy and mental resources, leading to disproportionate fatigue.

The result is a feeling of mental and physical fatigue, which can culminate in exhaustion.

3. Faster Task Completion Time:

Instead of completing tasks faster, the multitasking tends to prolong the time needed to perform them.

This happens because the brain constantly needs to readjust focus each time it switches from one activity to another.

A study conducted by American Psychological Association revealed that switching between tasks can reduce efficiency by up to 40%, increasing the total time to complete each task.

Negative Impacts of Multitasking	Percentage of Reduction/Loss
Increased completion time	+40%
Reduction in the quality of work	-20%
Frequent errors	+50%

4. Harm to Personal and Professional Development:

Often times, the multitasking prevents individuals from developing deeper, more detailed skills in a single task.

By constantly dividing your attention, you commit to acquiring new skills and improving specific abilities, which are essential for personal and professional growth.

Focusing on a single activity allows for more complete immersion, leading to excellence.

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Reasons to Avoid multitasking

The risks associated with multitasking are numerous, and the reasons to avoid it are even clearer when we look at the long-term impacts.

Although some situations may require the execution of multiple activities, the recurring practice can compromise productivity and well-being.

1. Lower Ability to Focus Longer:

The continuous practice of multitasking weakens the brain's ability to focus on a single task for long periods.

That is, this affects not only work performance, but also the ability to absorb complex information and solve problems effectively.

Professionals who depend on high concentration and creativity, such as programmers or writers, tend to lose quality when adopting this habit.

2. Impact on Quality of Life:

In addition to the cognitive effects, the multitasking can also negatively impact quality of life.

People who constantly switch between tasks are more likely to experience anxiety and frustration, as the feeling of “not being able to handle everything” increases.

Over time, this can contribute to more serious problems, such as burnout syndrome.

3. Lack of Presence and Superficial Relationships:

The practice of multiIt also affects personal life. Being physically present but mentally distracted by various activities compromises the quality of interpersonal relationships.

A simple example is when someone tries to watch a movie with the family, but at the same time responds to messages on their cell phone.

This disconnect can create emotional distance, both in personal and professional contexts.

Reasons to Avoid Multitasking	Negative Impacts
Reduced ability to focus	Difficulty completing complex tasks
Anxiety and stress	Emotional exhaustion
Superficiality in relationships	Decreased quality of interactions

4. Creative Block and Lack of Innovation:

Creativity requires mental space and time to flourish. When you try to multitask, your mind doesn’t get the rest it needs to think innovatively and strategically.

Professionals who depend on creative solutions may see their ability to innovate compromised by the habit of dividing their attention.

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How Multitasking Impacts Modern Society

In the digital age, the culture of multitasking was amplified.

The ease of access to technology allows people to connect to multiple platforms at the same time, which creates the illusion that we are able to manage everything efficiently.

However, this practice is shaping a society that values speed over depth and quality.

The pressure to always be “on” and productive at all times contributes to the creation of a toxic work environment, where mental overload is normalized.

Companies that encourage their employees to multitask may unwittingly be compromising their employees' mental health and organizational performance.

Conclusion: A More Sustainable Approach to Productivity

Instead of trying to dominate the multitasking, a more effective approach to improving productivity and mental health is to adopt methods such as deep work – deep work focused on one task at a time.

This approach allows for greater focus and high-quality delivery, as well as being more sustainable in the long term.

O multitasking It may seem tempting, but its hidden costs outweigh the benefits, making this practice more harmful than productive.

Whether in the corporate environment or in your personal life, avoid the multitasking in favor of techniques that prioritize continuous focus will result in significant gains in efficiency, personal satisfaction and quality of life.