Blog Post 2 - Is Multitasking Possible

Clifford Nass was a researcher at Stanford University who analyzed how well humans actually multitasked with technology in our daily lives.  His research showed that although a lot of people think they are good at multitasking, his tests showed they we are not as good as we think. He conducted a study where he had to subject groups; those who do a lot of multitasking, and those who do little. His results suggested that individuals who frequently use multiple media approach fundamental can multitask information-processing activities differently than those who consume multiple media streams much less frequently…those who infrequently multitask are more effective at volitionally allocating their attention in the face of distractions (Ophir, Nass, Wagner, 2009).

I do agree with Nass with the idea that people do indeed think that they are good at multitasking in their lives. For example as I write this paper I am listening to music, switching back and forth between articles, checking email, and have Family Guy playing in the background. I know with so many distractions in front of me that I can’t possibly have one hundred percent attention to this paper at all times, however I do think multitasking is a beneficial attribute to our workforce.

In a world with countless information being exchanged, digested, and spat back out, I would argue that it is near impossible to not multitask in today’s cyberspace environment. I believe time is the biggest enforcer of multitasking, its time that determines whether we do this paper now or another assignment for a different class. Its time that makes us choose to not read an entire article but snippets from multiple sources, not knowing if reading from just one information source will be sufficient enough to complete the task at hand. With respects to time, I feel that humans are excellent at multitasking. With time being such a scarce resource, we must try and find only the most important information out there through various technological mediums.

To further show my beleif that we are increasing our powers in the multitasking spectrum, I found a TED talk that backs up my argument. Gabe Zichermann explains that the new generation today are multitasking far better than their parents had to while playing video games. The example that he gives is that early game systems only had one or two buttons to communicate controls to the game. whereas in today games such as World of Warcraft, there is upwards of 30 different keys plays are using simultaneously while talking and listening (If you are interested in the TED talk).

Nass said that we are, “distracting ourselves to death”. I believe that we are doing the opposite in that technology has actually expanded our ability to live our lives the way that we want. Although Facebook has made great strides in creating identity on the web, the vast majority of the Internet is still very ominous. Where people have the opportunity to portray themselves however they want. Furthermore, I believe that the internet has made social communication stronger even in real life interaction because the accessibility to information the web brings people. It is much easier to stay up on current events, know the current score to games, and keep your finances in order all before breakfast.  

“Always On” is the concept that an individual is always connected to the Internet through technology. Meaning that they’re always connected to their peers, their work, etc. This is an interesting idea for me personally because I don’t think it is just black and white. There are days when I am talking to multiple people on my phone, checking email and social media on my computer, and listening to music on my Ipod. There are also the days where I barely look at my phone, don’t turn on my computer, and enjoy being cut off from all the media. I believe it depends on what that particular day has in store for us. Do we have a ton to get done? Or do we have a relaxing day ahead of us?

Nass’ statement that “we cannot possibly multitask, the sociological literature proves this” is accurate to a degree. In my life, if I am having a genuine conversation with someone I will put my phone away because I was brought up that it is rude to not give someone your full attention when they are addressing you. However, I can think of times when I am sitting around with my friends and someone asks me a question where I was to involved with my phone to give them an answer.  I feel that woman have multitasking forced onto them through cultural views the worst. Like we mentioned in class, a working woman with a family is not only expected to focus on her work, but also take care of children, cook, and clean the house traditionally.  With this example I do agree highly with Nass in that it does not see possible that women could juggle so many tasks at once.