media mulitask

In a recent study in the Journal of Communication, researchers show how media multitasking not only makes for poorer cognitive performance but they also suggest reasons for why -- despite increasing our stress and making us less effective at home and at work -- we still do it. The answer is that it gives us a kind of emotional gratification, like an addictive rush. Today, be on the lookout for the feeling you get when media multitasking. When you notice that feeling, see it as a choice point and ask yourself: "What's most important for me to be paying attention to right now?" Then if necessary, gently redirect.