Is multitasking a myth, and just how harmful is it for our brain?

10 October 2025 - 16 mins
Podcast Series Moncrieff

Experts are debunking the myth of multitasking, but in such a fast-paced world, how else can we possibly keep up?

Psychology Professor at Stanford University, Anthony Wagner, says multitasking does not exist, but what we are doing instead is forcing the brain to switch between tasks.

Research shows performing multiple tasks at the same time reduces productivity by up to 40% by increasing cognitive load, causing errors, and consuming mental energy.

But, UCD Associate Professor in the School of Psychology, Ciara Greene, says the human brain is flexible and completing multiple tasks at the same time does not impact our attention span.

To discuss further, she joins Seán.

16 mins

Series Episodes

Recommended

No Account

Subscriptions to podcast series are only available to users with an account. Sign in or register to subscribe and access your subscriptions.

Register Sign in

Woops!

Error text.