Media Multitasking
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Yes, it is a real term people use in 2024.
Yes, it is related to digital wellness, digital addictions, etc.
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Nov 12, 2024 09:56 PM
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Media Multitasking
[mee-dee-uh muhl-tee-task-ing]
What Is Media Multitasking?
Media multitasking is the practice of consuming multiple forms of digital media simultaneously, like watching Netflix while scrolling through Instagram, or checking emails while attending a Zoom meeting.
Word Origins:
The term combines "media" (from Latin "medium" meaning middle or intermediate) with "multitasking" (coined in 1960s computing). The concept gained prominence in the 2000s with the rise of smartphones and multiple-screen behaviors.
Impact on Cognitive Performance
Despite feeling productive, media multitasking actually reduces our ability to focus and process information effectively. Research shows it can lower performance by up to 40% and increase the time needed to complete tasks. Our brains aren't wired to truly multitask - instead, we rapidly switch between activities, depleting our mental resources.
Practical Steps to Reduce Media Multitasking
- Use one screen at a time
- Close unnecessary browser tabs
- Set specific times for checking different platforms
- Enable Focus Mode during important tasks
- Practice single-tasking with regular breaks
Related Terms
- Digital Distraction: The interruption of focus by digital devices and content
- Attention Residue: The lingering cognitive effects of switching between tasks
- Cognitive Bandwidth: The mental resources available for processing information
- Focus Mode: A device setting that limits notifications and distractions