A New Way of Being Why Multitasking Is Ruining Your Brain (And How to Fix It) – With Johann Hari
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Dec 13, 2024 
Johann Hari, author of 'Stolen Focus,' dives into the cognitive costs of multitasking and distractions. He reveals that constantly switching tasks can lower your IQ more than smoking weed. Hari discusses the 'switch cost effect,' highlighting strategies like pre-commitment to enhance focus. The conversation also explores the concept of flow, a peak performance state often disrupted by modern distractions. With practical tips to regain concentration, listeners can learn to navigate an increasingly distracting world.
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Multitasking Myth
- The human brain can only focus on one or two things at a time.
- Multitasking leads to the "switch-cost effect," reducing competence, creativity, and memory.
Distraction's Impact on IQ
- A Hewlett Packard study showed that distracted workers scored 10 IQ points lower than focused workers.
- This effect is twice as detrimental as the short-term impact of smoking marijuana on IQ.
Pre-Commitment for Focus
- Use tools like K-safe and Freedom app to lock away distractions.
- Pre-commit to focused periods by physically limiting access to distractions like phones and specific websites.
