Is Multitasking Efficient?

Research: Zanna Desai

Design: Megan Zhang

When it comes to academics, students tend to multitask between their studies and extracurricular activities. Of course, this is not the case for every student, but it is quite common for students to multitask between subjects in order to get more work done and/or save time, especially when extracurricular activities are involved. 

In this article, I aim to discuss what multitasking is, why we (as students) multitask, and whether or not it is actually efficient. I will also look over alternatives to multitasking which can get work completed to a high standard and improve time management. 

1. What is Multitasking? 

The dictionary definition of multitasking is: A person's or product's ability to do more than one thing at a time. At first glance, it may seem time efficient to multi-task, but it is quite the opposite. 

Studies suggest that multitasking is harmful to our cognitive abilities, as well as our bodies.  1 

If a computer multitasks (referring to the product), it is considered a positive attribute as it optimizes time and resources on the computer, enhancing the overall  experience. Unlike, multitasking produces harmful consequences for us, eventually hindering our ability to save time. 

2. Why do Students Multitask? 

In this day and age, the current generation of students are widely exposed to the digital world, tools such as AI which aid us in our studies, multiple forms of entertainment, with all competing to get our attention. 2 With limited attention spans, students try to be time efficient by completing their tasks and/or responsibilities simultaneously as it becomes increasingly more difficult for students to focus on a single task for a long period of time. Needless to say, this is definitely not the case for every student, but based on the majority of students in the current generation, it is unfortunately a reality. 

3. Is Multitasking efficient? 

As mentioned earlier, multitasking is harmful to our cognitive abilities and bodies, but also decreases productivity. When students multitask while doing their school work, their learning is far more shallow than if the work had their undivided attention. 3 Not only does multitasking decrease productivity, it also prevents students from completing their work to the required standard. Although it may be time efficient, the cons outweigh the benefits of multitasking as a student. 

4. Alternatives to multitasking 

Focusing on one task at a time is a far more effective alternative to multitasking, it allows for more focused and productive work, and is known as single tasking. Another alternative to multitasking is time blocking, deep work involves dedicating a block of time to a single task without any distractions. 4 Using these alternatives can improve comprehension of the work assigned to students, as well as an improvement in time management by staying aware of deadlines by planning tasks accordingly. 

In conclusion, multitasking is not efficient and does more harm than good in terms of productivity and comprehension. Saving time is vital but not at the expense of quality and this standard of work should be the utmost priority when it comes to completing tasks, not saving time. Better alternatives such as single tasking or time blocking are far more efficient and lead to more effective results.