The pros and cons of multitasking explained by Zachary Mikel Biddle

Multitasking is the process where we get multiple things done at the same time. We divide our concentration between two or more tasks at hand and complete them together. It is not an easy task and not everyone’s cup of tea either. One needs years of practice to be able to do it correctly, keeping the productivity at the same level throughout.
Zach Biddle of San Diego, California says in this article how multitasking has both benefits and drawbacks. Here are the pros and cons of multitasking as explained by Biddle:

Pros

1. It saves time

Saving time is the primary objective of multitasking. We have done things like checking our mail while preparing breakfast or reading up on a file while having the food, and we did not even consider them as multitasking. We have done them to save precious time. Not all types of multitasking will be as easy as these examples, but at the end of the day, if you can pull it off, you will save time for yourself.

2. It increases productivity

There are certain mechanical tasks which are monotonous and mundane in nature, but are essential for the running of the organization. If you can club these tasks together and finish two of them in the time of one, needless to say it will contribute towards increased productivity. Moreover, the saved time can be utilized for doing something more productive as well, says Mikel Biddle.

3. It sharpens efficiency

When someone multitasks over a long period of time, they not only get better at it but it also increases their ability to concentrate and stay focused on different tasks ignoring the ongoing distractions around. It is a great skill to have in today’s world of constant noise and chatter.

Cons

1. More chances of a mistake

Multitasking means you have to divide your focus on two or more different tasks at hand, and that leaves a big fat chance of making more mistakes than usual. Humans are anyway prone to error by nature of law. Shifting your concentration to and fro will only naturally add up on that.

2. It affects creativity

Multitasking is fine when the work is mechanical in nature. When it comes to creative work or work that demands racking the brain, multitasking will affect the quality of work inevitably in the opinion of Zachary Biddle. The brain can get adapted to sending routine signals to get mechanical job done. But thinking two different things at the same time will end up in overlapping and confusion.

3. It harbors distraction

Multitasking is done to save time. But the change of work in quick intervals can harbor distraction, where one task acts as a distraction for the other. As a result, it takes longer to bring your mind back to the job that you are doing at present, and instead of saving time, it ends up wasting more time unnecessarily.