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

Freakonomics Radio

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Distraction Destroys Deep Thinking

Distraction severely impairs cognitive function and the ability to focus, with many individuals, particularly those prone to distraction, struggling to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. The challenge of multitasking is highlighted by the fact that even machines do not truly multitask, merely switching between tasks at high speeds. This can lead to the misconception that people can handle various tasks at once, similar to what computers do, whereas reality shows a significant cost in mental bandwidth and attention when attempting to juggle several responsibilities.

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