Locations:
Search IconSearch

Why Multitasking Doesn’t Work

Studies show it makes us less efficient and more prone to errors

woman holding child while trying to work

Some days you feel like a master multitasker as you drink your morning coffee, catch up on email and tune into a conference call. But did you know that for most people, in most situations, multitasking isn’t actually possible?

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

We’re really wired to be monotaskers, meaning that our brains can only focus on one task at a time, says neuropsychologist Cynthia Kubu, PhD. “When we think we’re multitasking, most often we aren’t really doing two things at once. But instead, we’re doing individual actions in rapid succession, or task-switching,” she says.

One study found that just 2.5% of people are able to multitask effectively. For the rest of us, our attempts to do multiple activities at once aren’t actually that.

Multitasking can hinder your performance

Studies show that when our brain is constantly switching gears to bounce back and forth between tasks – especially when those tasks are complex and require our active attention – we become less efficient and more likely to make a mistake.

This might not be as apparent or impactful when we’re doing tasks that are simple and routine, like listening to music while walking, or folding laundry while watching TV. But when the stakes are higher and the tasks are more complex, trying to multitask can negatively impact our lives – or even be dangerous.

So-called multitasking divides our attention. It makes it harder for us to give our full attention to one thing. For example, in studies, attempting to complete additional tasks during a driving simulation led to poorer driving performance. Other studies suggest that people who frequently “media multitask” (like listening to music while checking email or scrolling through social media while watching a movie) are more distracted and less able to focus their attention even when they’re performing only one task.

Advertisement

It can also affect our ability to learn, because in order to learn, we need to be able to focus.

“The more we multitask, the less we actually accomplish, because we slowly lose our ability to focus enough to learn,” Dr. Kubu says. “If we’re constantly attempting to multitask, we don’t practice tuning out the rest of the word to engage in deeper processing and learning.” One study found that college students who tried to multitask took longer to do their homework and had lower average grades.

Another pitfall is that trying to do too much at once makes it harder to be mindful and truly present in the moment – and mindfulness comes with a plethora of benefits for our minds and our bodies. In fact, many therapies based on mindfulness can even help patients suffering from depression, anxiety, chronic pain and other conditions.

Choose to tackle one task at a time

Opting to focus on one task at a time can benefit many aspects of our life, including the workplace.

Take surgeons, for example. “People assume that a surgeon’s skill is primarily in the precision and steadiness of their hands. While there’s some truth to that, the true gift of a surgeon is the ability to single-mindedly focus on one person and complete a series of task over the course of many hours,” Dr. Kubu explains.

But surgeons aren’t necessarily born with this ability to monotask. Rather, they develop and perfect it through hours of practice. And you can, too.

“You don’t need to be a surgeon to benefit from freeing yourself of the pressure to multitask,” Dr. Kubu says. “Whether it’s taking a long road trip, organizing an event or reading a book, we unequivocally perform best one thing at a time. I encourage you to give it a try.”

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Person jumping, releasing umbrella, with healthcare provider displaying acronym for cognitive behavioral therapy sign
September 16, 2024/Mental Health
How To Heal Your Inner Child

Identify your emotional triggers, come to terms with your regrets and allow yourself to be a kid again

Person with backpack on holding hand of young child with teddy bear, walking
September 16, 2024/Mental Health
Meet Your Inner Child

Your inner child is a representation of your childhood experiences and the ways they can still affect you on a day-to-day basis

Healthcare provider examining marijuana leaf with a magnifying glass, with oversized brain in background
September 10, 2024/Brain & Nervous System
Can Marijuana Help Your Anxiety and Depression or Make It Worse?

Because of a lack of research and possible side effects, cannabis isn’t recommended to treat mental health disorders

Person sitting at home desk writing in a journal
September 3, 2024/Living Healthy
How To Recognize and Cope With Emotional Stress

Try mindfulness, healthy lifestyle changes and making time to relax to help combat emotional stress

Three males sitting on couch chatting, eating pizza
August 27, 2024/Men's Health
Are Men Less Likely To Have Friends?

Men tend to have fewer deep friendships than women, but building close friendships can benefit mental health

Person sitting on yoga mat in living room, drinking from bottle of water, cell phone on mat
August 22, 2024/Brain & Nervous System
How To Live Your Best Life With Tardive Dyskinesia

Healthy habits and a comfortable daily routine may make your TD symptoms more manageable

Couple sitting couch looking sad
August 16, 2024/Mental Health
How To Cope With Empty Nest Syndrome

Communicating with your family, setting expectations and finding healthy distractions can make life easier once your kiddo flies the coop

Person with eyes closed, rubbing fingers on their temples
August 12, 2024/Wellness
What Is EFT Tapping? Your Guide To Emotional Freedom Technique

It involves tapping specific points on your body while focusing on an emotion or issue you want to release

Trending Topics

Female and friend jogging outside
How To Increase Your Metabolism for Weight Loss

Focus on your body’s metabolic set point by eating healthy foods, making exercise a part of your routine and reducing stress

stovetop with stainless steel cookware and glassware
5 Ways Forever Chemicals (PFAS) May Affect Your Health

PFAS chemicals may make life easier — but they aren’t always so easy on the human body

jar of rice water and brush, with rice scattered around table
Could Rice Water Be the Secret To Healthier Hair?

While there’s little risk in trying this hair care treatment, there isn’t much science to back up the claims

Ad