Why Multitasking Can Hurt

In our internet heavy age, there are ways to stay connected when away from work, in the wild, and at home. Consuming media on our smartphones and tablet computers is becoming increasingly commonplace, but many are asking at what cost?

Reactions to quick informational bursts are an evolutionary response that allowed our ancestors to react to threats and dangers. In these situations, dopamine is released in the brain. This release of dopamine can be very addictive. When multitaskers and heavy media consumers don’t have access to information or their attentions engaged, they feel bored.

This stimulation sensitive part of the brain is different from that which uses old information to understand new problems. It becomes increasingly difficult to turn off the sensational part of the brain when you need to focus and decide about long term goals. For example, in our ancestors these parts of the brain would trigger the differences between stimuli that hint at a snowstorm and how to stay warm during the storm.

That said, certain technology can help you with occupational tasks. Accessories for GPS and wireless cell phone accessories for example, can be used in this way. But when accessories for iPhone and other wireless cell phone accessories become attached to you, it can be difficult to do without them. The lesson: technological moderation is important.