The High Price of Multitasking Critical Analysis Example
In the article "The High Price of Multitasking," Daniel T. Willingham highlights the dangers of attempting to do two tasks at once. Willingham explains that multitasking is the leading reason that legislators have prohibited texting while driving. He affirms that there is a cognitive cost, and it is widely considered to be serious consequences when choosing to multitask. Willingham also suggests eliminating secondary tasks when possible or limiting them to one task at a time, and taking more breaks while doing one task can prevent the cognitive cost. The article's main claim that multitasking has serious consequences in daily life is assertive because it examines the cost of cognitive performance, identifies safety concerns associated with texting while driving, and provides tips to help manage to multitask.
Attempting to do two tasks at once can have serious consequences. According to Willingham, multitasking can feel like doing two things at once. However, the performance is compromised because the brains can not do two things at once. There is a tendency to overlook this issue if there is a possibility of downtime in one or both tasks. Willingham points out that there are students who claim to comprehend the material even when they are on social media or watching TV. To put it another way, people multitask to stay on top of social media or to fight boredom. However, Willingham argues that even simple tasks like listening to music can have dangerous consequences. As an example, pedestrians who are listening to music when crossing a street are most likely to be hit by a vehicle (Willingham, 2019). Even though multitasking has costs associated with it, some people still believe that multitasking is harmless.
Smartphones have been a great source of information and for connecting people. However, they are often used as a way to multitask. Willingham states that adults and young adults have admitted to using their phones while driving. He argues that the problem of texting and driving stems from the attempt to focus on the road and the screen at the same time. Moreover, law enforcement also agrees that using phones while driving is a great form of distraction. Willingham affirms that "forty-eight states have banned texting while driving" (Willingham, 2019). Twenty states have passed laws requiring hands-free operation. But the danger does not lie only when texting and driving; it is often overlooked when listening to music or having a conversation with a passenger; "Consider whether you've ever turned down the radio or shushed passengers when the road turned icy or when you were looking for an address" (Willingham, 2019). There needs to be an understanding that the brain is incapable of efficiently doing two things at once. Willingham stresses that self-regulation is critical.
There are people who believe that multitasking has benefits. However, there needs to be an awareness of the cognitive cost of multitasking and demanding the brain to accomplish two tasks at once. For that, Willingham provides a few tips to better manage to multitask. In the first place, it is unwise to expect efficiency from doing two things at once; there are no benefits, and it is cognitively draining, "say, composing a letter while following a presentation" (Willingham, 2019). Furthermore, he argues that it is important to be realistic, given that one is not as good at multitasking as one may think. If possible, eliminate secondary tasks or be prepared to put them on hold in order to focus on only one task; consider turning off the radio when traffic is heavy (Willingham, 2019). Last but not least, Willingham suggests taking more breaks between tasks to avoid multitasking. Analyze other ways to get an emotional uplift without the cognitive cost. Therefore, people should understand the consequences that are attached to multitasking.
"The High Price of Multitasking" shows the costs associated with multitasking and the decreased cognitive performance. It also identifies the safety concerns associated with texting and driving, and it offers tips to help multitaskers. In this article, the author shows that multitasking is often seen as a positive attribute. However, doing two things at once can harm overall performance. He stressed that while people will continue to multitask, they should need to be aware of the dangers. Willingham stresses that simple tasks like driving and texting can have serious consequences. In conclusion, Willingham emphasizes the need for self-regulation and an understanding of the cognitive costs of multitasking.
