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601. Multitasking Doesn’t Work. So Why Do We Keep Trying?

Freakonomics Radio

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The Detrimental Effects of Multitasking on Attention and Stress

Research indicates a significant decline in attention span, averaging just 75 seconds, highlighting a concerning trend in focus among individuals over a short timeframe. A critical finding reveals that the ability to switch attention rapidly correlates with increased stress levels. Despite common beliefs, multitasking leads to more errors, as the brain struggles to reorient itself between tasks, incurring a 'switch cost' that detracts from overall efficiency. This suggests that the perception of heightened productivity during multitasking is misleading, as it ultimately contributes to greater stress and diminishes performance.

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