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The Impact of Media Multi-Tasking

 
With the increasing presence of computers, televisions, video games, and other stimuli among youth, “multi-tasking” has become the norm in American culture. As a 12-year-old uses his computer, he may have several websites open simultaneously, as well as his TV blaring and a homework assignment next to the keyboard. The eventual impact can be less productivity, along with a shorter attention span.

A 2005 study from the Kaiser Family Foundation, “Generation M: Media in the Lives of 8-18 Year-olds,” it was revealed that 66% of all 8 to 18 year olds have a TV in their bedroom, 37% have a cable or satellite signal, and 31% have a computer in the same room. These factors are primary contributors to “Media Multi-Tasking,” where young people do several things at once, going back and forth between the TV, internet, music, and even homework. This crams as much media content as possible into a set amount of time

The consequence of this is an overall decrease in efficiency. In a 2006 article in Time Magazine, David E. Meyer, director of the Brain, Cognition, and Action Laboratory at University of Michigan, claims that the brain is incapable of switching between tasks so rapidly. While it is possible to multi-task, there is an overall decrease in efficiency, and studies show that a person is more productive when he or she sits down and takes one job at a time, rather than trying to do it all at once.

While the effects of this on internet usage are difficult to measure, the application to everyday life can be damaging. Certain tasks, such as sitting in a math class and learning a concept, require a single-tracked attention span. Therefore, doing math homework at home with media multi-tasking can impact a youth’s ability to absorb the material and the concepts.

Often, college students bring laptop computers to their classes in order to tune-out the uninteresting elements of a professor’s lecture. They check their email or browse social networking websites, rather than endure a professor’s “boring,” yet perhaps useful, class discussion. What students may not realize is that their switching between the internet and a class lecture is impacting their level of learning, and that the best course of action is to pay singular attention in class.

While productivity is compromised when the brain cannot focus on a single job, it is often necessary in order to survive in this society. Many students, parents, and employees find it necessary to regularly multi-task to “get the job done” and meet the many demands on them. As a result, browsing a single website at a time may now feel tedious for many users. Though multi-tasking may be necessary in the real-world, it’s still important to encourage youth to regularly do things one at a time and help them learn to also be singularly focused, especially in a subject area where they may have difficulty.

So, parents, be reassured, you are appropriate in requiring your children and teens to turn off the TV and remove the headphones while doing homework. You may be helping them succeed in school.

Likewise, as adults, when our children (or spouses) are talking to us and want our thoughtful attention or feedback, we would be equally wise to exclusively focus in the moment. Turn off the TV, back away from the computer, put down the shop tools or cooking utensils, and listen with all your faculties, and respond with your best level of attention, consideration, patience, and support.

Share your opinions on our BLOG!

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HOLIDAY GIFT-GIVING IDEA FOR PARENTS AND TEACHERS! We all know an overwhelmed parent or two. Many parents share with us that even small but concrete suggestions on connecting with preteens and teens in a positive way go a long way in reducing the anxiety and fears of parents with adolescents. 52 WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR TEEN This Christmas, why not give the gift of HOPE and RELIEF to a parent of a teen!! Give them a LEGACY OF HOPE on DVD and a copy of 52 Ways to Protect Your Teen. Just a couple of thoughtful tools to make the parenting role a tad less fearful, guilt-ridden and angst-filled! LESSONS FROM THE ROAD is a great read for both adults and teens - inspirational messages from 30 professional speakers in education. Susie's chapter on Emotional Wisdom complements her LEGACY OF HOPE presentation. And why not share the power and poignancy of the live LEGACY OF HOPE program on DVD with those youth you'd like to make an impact on! Lastly, enjoy the skincare line that has given Susie the reputation of looking 10+ years younger than her age! BENEV "Legacy of Youth" Skincare products - pharmaceutical grade, purest ingredients and available through dermatologists, plastic surgeons and LEGACY! HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND PEACE TO ALL FAMILIES OF TEENAGERS! ORDER YOUR PRODUCTS NOW!

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LEGACY OF HOPE impacting youth and adults for Red Ribbon Week in Rio Grande City, Texas! RGCCISD coordinated an amazing series of events for every grade at every school for a week of powerful prevention! Big thanks to Maria Adelina Villarreal and her staff including Jessica Vera-Rios and Salvador Hernandez for two great days of LEGACY OF HOPE programs for middle and high school students! Check out the LEGACY Photo Album featuring many great moments with youth across the nation

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LEGACY OF HOPE - AN UNFORGETTABLE IMPACT FOR HEALTHY CHOICES If you would like to know more about how LEGACY OF HOPE impacts positive change in teens and adults, please contact us with the link below. Also, please forward this newsletter to friends, colleagues, parents, and others who might find this information useful. Help us carry our message of hope and healing. For more information on programs Open to the Public, contact us! If you are receiving this newsletter forwarded from a colleague or friend, and would like to continue to receive it, please email us at Susie@legacyofhope.com with subject subscribe. CONTACT SUSIE NOW!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
And BLESSINGS in the New Year!
From all of us at LEGACY -

Susie Vanderlip, CSP, CPAE - Ken Vanderlip, PhD
College intern: Steve Taylor

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