Why Multitasking Feels Efficient
Why Multitasking Feels Efficient but Reduces Performance Multitasking feels productive. Handling many things at once gives a sense of control. But science shows that the brain does not truly multitask . It switches. 1. The Brain Pays a Switching Cost Every time attention moves from one task to another, the brain needs time to reorient. This hidden delay is called attention switching cost . 2. Cognitive Load Increases Quickly Each task consumes mental resources. Multiple tasks pile up, causing faster mental fatigue and more mistakes. 3. Efficiency Is an Illusion Multitasking feels fast because activity never stops. But actual progress slows, and quality quietly declines . 4. Single Focus Uses Less Energy When attention stays on one task, the brain enters a stable rhythm. This state produces better results with less effort . Final Conclusion Multitasking is not a skill problem. It is a biological limitation. Doing one thing ...