Does multitasking really exist?

Have you ever thought about multitasking and does multitasking really exist? We all know that multitasking is often a job requirement. It’s pretty much in every job ad out there… Truth be told, it is probably one of the most used terms in job requirements and CVs. But is it real? Does multitasking really exist? Is it possible to multitask or is it all just a misunderstanding? Can we honestly expect people to do several things at once?

Let’s dig into it and find out.

Questioning the definition of “multitasking”

There are several definitions of this word. For the purpose of this article, we bring you two:

• The concurrent operation by one central processing unit of two or more processes.
• Engaging in more than one activity at the same time or serially, switching one’s attention back and forth from one activity to another.

Now that we all understand the definition, let’s see how it works in practice. It will help us determine does multitasking really exist.

There are two very strong opposing opinions on this topic. People either strongly believe in it or they strongly believe it doesn’t exist. In this article, we’ll take a look at both standpoints.

Types of multitasking

Before we get any deeper into the topic, let’s first differentiate between computer and human multitasking. Obviously, we are all aware of the fact computer one exists. How else would you be able to edit a document while listening to music and conversing on an instant messenger?

Nonetheless, human multitasking is a bit of a mystery! Some can do it, some can’t, some brag about it while others think it’s fake.

Non-believers in multitasking

Some people deem “multitasking” as an inability to focus and execute only one task.

This would then mean that people who “multitask” aren’t heroes but creatures who escape from responsibility and cloak it as multitasking.

They consider multitaskers to waste valuable time switching between tasks because it always takes humans a few moments to remember what they were doing previously.

So, instead of following through with one single task, the person jumps between tasks and has to spend snippets of time scanning the task requirements and remembering where they’ve left off in order to continue.

There are a lot of articles and studies on this particular topic and many scientists and authors concluded that human multitasking is a myth. They believe there is no such thing as multitasking, but rapidly switching between tasks.

But what about…?

Those who don’t believe in it say that even the most used example of human multitasking, driving, isn’t really correct.

For example, when you need to switch gears, you have to move your foot off the gas pedal, press the clutch, and after you’ve done so, you can switch gears. It doesn’t actually happen simultaneously, even though we might think that is the case.

The researchers also warn us that low-level functions of the body like breathing are not tasks because we don’t have to think about it. Multitasking should only refer to high-level thinking tasks, things you need to do consciously.

What does it mean in the job search?

If the above is true, a lot of companies need to look into the requirements and see do they really need a multitasker or a person who is able to quickly switch between tasks while remaining focused.

Believers in multitasking

On the other hand, we have believers in multitasking. These are usually people who think of themselves as multitaskers.

They argue that humans are designed to manage multiple things simultaneously. However, they often think of a combination of the above-mentioned low-level functions of the body, like breathing, blood pumping, and swallowing while performing a high-level task.

For instance, they are sitting in the office, reading emails, listening to music, and breathing, and their heart is pumping blood. They consider this to be multitasking.

But, is that really the case? Are humans able to focus on responding to an important email while being focused on the music they are listening to? Some might be able to and maybe that’s precisely why there are believers in multitasking!

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