This early part of the 21st century may eventually be described by historians as the era of distraction.
Life has speeded up and often we find ourselves trying to do several things at the same time.
Unfortunately, we often become distracted, lose focus and sometimes struggle to complete tasks. In extreme instances, for example, while driving a motor vehicle, a high level of distraction can lead to death.
It’s not just about keeping both hands on the steering wheel, feet at the pedals and one’s eyes on the road ahead with occasional glances at dash dials and rear-view mirrors.
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It’s about not being distracted and about keeping one thing first and foremost in our mind: driving the vehicle safely.
Multitasking is pervasive in our society but that does not mean it is a good thing.
When one multitasks, they may think they are getting a lot done but there’s a cost and risk when the tasks compete for the same limited cognitive resources (e.g., attention, working memory) and draw on the same brain circuitry.
This is true, no matter how good one thinks they are at multitasking.
There’s just too much competition for the same neural circuits and what one ends up with is a compromise, that being not giving any task their full attention.
Then, no task is performed as well as it is when performed alone.
It’s time to ban texting and cell phone use while driving a vehicle.
Dennis Hall,
Saskatoon, Sask.
