The multitasking myth: the reality is it takes longer

October 2026

by Mervin Straughan

While we might believe that multitasking makes us more effective, science says otherwise. 

The practice has a reputation of a fast route to super productivity but this is an illusion.

The research tells us that what we define as multitasking is nothing more than switching between tasks which not only drains our energy but adds time and increases the likelihood of making mistakes.

A 2017 study by Kirschner and De Bruyckere showed that toggling between tasks hinders our performance and makes demand on our cognitive resources.

A year later, Michigan State University research highlighted how it contributes to stress and lowers overall productivity, adding as much as 40 per cent of time to complete our tasks.

An article in Psychology Today notes that task-toggling leads to mental fatigue and reduced output.

So, while it might feel like we’re achieving more, in reality, we’re stretching our cognitive abilities too thinly and achieving less.

So, what’s the alternative?

It’s focusing on one task at a time. This allows us to contrate more deeply reducing the risk of errors and helping us achieve better results

The one-task-at-at-time approach is more efficient and better for our brain.

This article first appeared on Substack 19 July 2026.