The era of "multitasking" and its consequences.

The era of "multitasking" and its consequences.
Posted on 17-03-2022

What do we call “Multitasking”? And, what consequences does it have for mental and emotional health?

Multi-task is an Anglo-Saxon term that could be translated as multi-tasking or multiple tasks. It implies the possibility, accentuated by technological devices, of carrying out several tasks at the same time. This, which has become an increasingly widespread reality, has, however, its consequences at the level of mental health.

In the first place, these multiple modalities of doing that imply the simultaneity of tasks and processes is becoming more and more frequent. Technological devices inevitably lead to this because they allow several channels to be open at the same time. In this way, like windows on a computer, one task communicates with another, generating chaining and multiple simultaneous processes.

Watching a series, while responding to messages on the phone, and at the same time writing upcoming tasks on a list, or "scrolling" on a social network, has become an everyday reality. In the younger generations, this is even more accentuated, while the digital natives, and above all, those of more recent generations do not know any other reality than this. So for them, it is, even more, the "normalized" way of acting.

Although technology gives us access to benefits and allows us to access a lot of information without delay, this modality also has negative consequences, leading to altering processes and making them considerably difficult in many cases.

The wide range of options that we have today in communications and access to information, leaves us responsible for an increasing number of decisions and actions that limit our consumption. With fewer possibilities, there are also fewer decisions to be made. As the options increase, the more we must try to choose and channel, so as not to be overwhelmed with all these variants.

paradox arises here, insofar as we must limit what has the characteristic of generating dependency. In other words, it confronts us with restricting what has everything to become something addictive. So controlling and limiting it is not as free as it is supposed to be.

More and more we notice this in relation to technology. It seeps into our daily lives so much that we even overlook or don't record the time we spend on it. This lack of limits between the individual and technology is so complex that it prevents fully conscious use.

The multitasking mode is also installed as an ultra-adaptive mode in this consumer society. Being everywhere at once seems to be a growing demand. This unfolding would allow us to work and, at the same time, consume, buy.

Unfortunately, Multitasking has its negative consequences. It hinders the processes of learning and retention of information, adding to memory difficulties. It increases anxiety and considerably alters the ability to concentrate. It generates a feeling of confusion and mental disorganization, which can lead to states of chaos or exhaustion very quickly. It makes it difficult to register one's own physical and psychological needs, as it allows a very significant flow of information that often exceeds the processing and metabolism capacity. It also hinders the dimension of cycles and processes around what we do, leading in many cases to non-completion and procrastination.

It is very important, then, to observe this aspect of the breadth of possibilities that technology offers, to question it a little, generating the possibility of choice and limits in a more conscious way.

 

Thank You