The multitasking trap: Why doing more at once can mean getting less done

The modern world often encourages the practice of doing multiple tasks simultaneously, a phenomenon coined as "toxic multitasking." Prerna Pant, a psychologist from ISIC Multispeciality Hospital in Delhi, explains that this constant switching between tasks, emails, messages, social media, and notifications can lead to decreased productivity. Unlike occasional multitasking, toxic multitasking involves a repetitive pattern of attention being drawn to different activities throughout the day.

This habit can create an illusion of productivity, but in reality, it can have detrimental effects on concentration and mental fatigue. Every time a person shifts focus from one task to another, their brain has to stop, reset, and refocus, consuming mental energy in the process. Frequent interruptions from emails, messages, and notifications can make work feel more exhausting than it appears, leading to reduced concentration and a sense of being overwhelmed.

Toxic multitasking can also impact memory and productivity. When the brain is divided between tasks, it struggles to process information effectively, making it easier to forget details, miss important information, or make mistakes. This constant switching can slow down performance and increase the time needed to complete tasks, despite the illusion of being busy.

Recognizing the signs of toxic multitasking is crucial. Indications may include increased mistakes, forgetfulness, unfinished tasks, mental fatigue, and a sense of being constantly busy without making progress. Poor sleep, reduced motivation, and a persistent feeling of being busy without achieving anything can also signal the presence of this habit.