Many people consider multitasking essential and take pride in their ability to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously. However, the human capacity for multitasking is merely a myth.

The term emerged with the advent of computers capable of handling several operations simultaneously, and we subsequently applied it to human behavior.

In truth, the human brain can only focus on one or two ideas at a time and perform no more than one task simultaneously.

Some may believe they are managing this well. Still, the brain actually switches between tasks rapidly, creating the illusion that we are accomplishing two things simultaneously when, in reality, we are merely shifting our focus from one thing to another.

Many scientific studies have proven that multitasking reduces focus, productivity, and creativity, resulting in four negative effects.

What are the negative effects of multitasking

1.  Wasting Mental Energy When Switching Tasks 

When we switch between tasks, the mind has to reset itself and refocus to remember where we left off. However, this simple process drains our mental energy and slows us down on every task. This is commonly known as the "switch cost effect," which can reduce productivity by up to 40%. 

Professor Earl Miller explains, “The brain has to reset itself when moving from one task to another, resulting in decreased performance; we work more slowly.”

Even quickly checking text messages and notifications can cause distractions, and it can take up to 23 minutes to regain focus afterwards.

A study by Hewlett Packard found that students who received text messages and emails experienced a 10-point drop in IQ compared to when they were free from notifications or their phones. This represents a significant decline in cognitive ability due to engaging in activities many do not consider "tasks."

2. Making More Mistakes

Trying to reconfigure your thoughts or refocus each time you switch tasks heightens the risk of making mistakes. The brain has to backtrack and correct its thought process when returning to a previous task, making you prone to errors. As a result, your thoughts become superficial because you are not thinking deeply about each task during these transitions. 

Professor Earl Miller says, “Instead of spending critical time really doing deep thinking, your thinking is more superficial because you’re spending a lot of time correcting errors and backtracking.”

3. Lack of Mental Space for Creative Thinking 

The mind needs space to think creatively. Deep thought involves analysis and insight, which often happens when we aren’t actively concentrating on a problem. During these moments, our subconscious mind can connect existing ideas in novel ways, explaining why some of our best ideas emerge while showering. 

However, multitasking places undue pressure on the brain, restricting its ability to think creatively and ultimately hindering problem-solving skills over time.

4. Forgetting Task Details

When you rush through tasks and frequently shift focus, you will likely forget important details. British author Johann Hari calls this the Diminished Memory Effect, where some studies have shown a decline in our ability to remember and learn as our minds struggle to convert experiences into lasting memories. 

Johann states, “If you spend your time switching a lot, then the evidence suggests you will be slower, you’ll make more mistakes, you’ll be less creative, and you’ll remember less of what you do.”

In Conclusion

On average, our attention is diverted every three minutes, causing significant fluctuations in focus throughout the day and preventing us from operating at our full potential. To avoid the negative effects of multitasking, it is crucial to concentrate on each task individually.

This means minimizing distractions like emails, social media, and phone calls while working on important tasks. Additionally, taking breaks is essential for recharging our mental energy. So, we can increase our productivity and accomplish more in less time by focusing on one task at a time.