Shocking Evidence for the Madness of Multitasking
An article in today’s New York Times (4.17.2010) gives further support for the conclusion that we can’t multitask. In an article titled “As Cell Service Expands in Subways, Thefts Rise.” It says:
“…most thefts occur when passengers are sitting or standing in the subway near the door and paying more attention to their phones than to their surroundings. The thief snatches the phone and darts out of the train just as the doors shut.”
Imagine: Concentrating so much on your conversation or texting that you don’t notice the potential robber, and your reflexes are so slow you can’t hold on to the very gadget you’re using! Simply put, your brain cannot focus attention on more than one thing at a time.
This is what I explain in Conquer CyberOverload: Get More Done, Boost Your Creativity, and Reduce Stress. Understanding how your brain works can help you get the most out of technology without being overwhelmed by it.
Tags: attention, cell phones, distraction, information overload, multitasking, smart phones, technology, texting