How (And Why) To Stop Multitasking Summary

Multitasking can be beneficial or just a waste of time. In “How (and Why) to Stop Multitasking Peter Bregman and “In Defense of Multitasking” David Silverman, both bloggers explain their points of view on multitasking. Bregman explains the reasons why multitasking is bad “I will not deny that single-minded devotion often produces high quality. Nor will I attempt to join the misguided (and scientifically discredited) many who say “Yeah, other people can’t do it, but I am super awesome at doing ten things at once” (656) he explained. Silverman strongly believes that as human beings we have the habit of always trying to do as many tasks or get more time out of a 24 hour day. Even though they both had excellent points, Silverman had stronger points. Multitasking is something we do naturally, and is part of our daily routine.
The first example that Silverman states is that “Multitasking helps us get and give critical information faster” (657). As a student when working on multiple projects and sometimes with partners, I can see how that is very important. Bregman believes we should focus on one thing at a time, and to take away any distractions we may have. Focusing on one thing at a time would make me slow down. Not only that, but it will it hold up my partners in different project. Working on multiple things helps me get more tasks done and
quicker.
Another example Silverman points out is that it gives you something to turn to when you’re stuck. When working on multiple things you may get stuck and try to put more pressure on yourself to get it done. Bregman states that “We switch-task, rapidly shifting from one thing to another, interrupting ourselves unproductively, and losing time in the process (652).” When switching from task to task, some might take a little bit longer and some might take less time. I think working on multiple things helps me come up with better solutions or ideas. Stressing myself out to get something done, when I know I need a break from it would just make it worse. I would then just rush to get it done and out of the way. Knowing I didn’t give it my all. It is better to take breaks in between and give your brain a break.
The last statement Silverman makes is “The more organize you are the more important it is to try to multitask (657).” The less you have to do then the more you should concentrate on them and juggle them to get them done.
Bregman comments that we should divide our times among the things we need to do. I think both writers have a similar point. If we have multiple things to do then we need to multitask which means, we have a certain time for each one. Bregman defines that we should divide our day and have certain time frames for the task we need to do. I think planning your day out is good but to organize time seems a bit
extreme.
To conclude both Silverman and Bregman explained the pros and the cons of multitasking and the benefits of each one. We can’t control what we do and how many things we try to do at the same time. For example when we are typing and thinking at the same time. That to me is multitasking because you are doing two things at the same time. Another example is when your reading and eating something. That is still doing two things at one time. We may do extreme multitasking and take way too much on or we might just do simple multitasking and juggle a couple things at a time. As Bregman concluded his story he sated “Sometimes, it is simply impossible to resist a little multitasking” (653). Exactly sometimes it is impossible not to. At the end Bregman agrees with Silverman, and that is why he connected better with the audience.