The Zoomer Report: Multi-taskingArticle By: Libby Znaimer
Is multi-tasking overrated? Research shows that by doing less you just might accomplish more.
Can you talk on the phone, send an instant message and read your e-mail all at once? Stanford researchers say you might think you get a lot done when you multitask, but it isn't so. They found people who are regularly bombarded with several streams of electronic information do not pay attention, control their memory or switch from one job to another as well as those who prefer to complete one task at a time. After putting about 100 students through a series of three tests, the researchers found that heavy media multitaskers underperformed the light multitaskers. The researchers say the multitaskers couldn't help thinking about the task they weren't doing, and they high kept drawing from all the information in front of them, which made them unable to keep things separate in their minds. The researchers are still studying whether chronic media multitaskers are born with an inability to concentrate or are damaging their cognitive control by willingly taking in so much at once. But they're convinced the minds of multitaskers are not working as well as they could. The bottom line: By doing less, you might accomplish more. Photo ©iStockphoto.com/ paul kline READ MORE ZOOMER REPORTS The Zoomer Report: Concentrate in boring meetings The Zoomer Report: Long hours and cognitive decline The Zoomer Report: Big bills and spending About The Zoomer Report Ms. Znaimer is also Vice-President of News and Information for Classical 96.3FM and AM740. Her first book, "In Cancerland – Living Well Is The Best Revenge" - was published in October 2007 by Key Porter. Are you a Zoomer? Click here to find out. Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved - Classical 96.3 FM
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Libby Znaimer, a prominent Canadian journalist specializing in business, politics, and lifestyle issues, is producer and host of 
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