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

Freakonomics Radio

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Multitasking Illusion: The Hidden Costs

Attention span has significantly declined, correlating with increased stress levels linked to rapid task-switching. Individuals often misinterpret multitasking as productive, yet this behavior leads to more errors and introduces a 'switch cost'—the additional time needed to refocus on a new task. Understanding these dynamics reveals the challenges of maintaining effective focus in an environment that encourages constant shifts in attention.

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