Multitasking is a common habit among students, with many juggling coursework, social media, and daily responsibilities all at once. However, not all multitasking is beneficial—if done improperly, it can significantly reduce focus, retention, and academic performance.
Research shows that 99% of computer-based study sessions involve multitasking, yet frequent task switching lowers memory, attention span, and accuracy by up to 30%. When the brain is forced to rapidly shift between tasks, it struggles to retain information effectively, leading to longer study sessions with less productive results.
However, not all multitasking is bad. Pairing low-effort physical activities with study tasks—such as walking while listening to an academic lecture or using a text-to-speech (TTS) tool while commuting—can enhance focus and retention. Studies suggest that engaging in simple, repetitive tasks alongside studying can improve productivity without overloading the brain.
Understanding when multitasking helps and when it harms is key to making study sessions more efficient. By using the right tools, minimizing distractions, and choosing tasks that complement each other, students can maximize their learning potential while staying productive. Here’s how to do it effectively.
Key Points:
- The Downsides:
- Multitasking splits brain resources, leading to lower grades and reduced retention.
- Frequent interruptions take 25 minutes to refocus.
- Students using laptops for non-study tasks perform a letter grade and a half lower.
- When It Helps:
- Pairing simple tasks like light exercise with audio learning boosts efficiency.
- Tools like text-to-speech (TTS) apps save time and improve focus.
Quick Tips:
- Avoid multitasking for complex tasks – single-task instead.
- Use TTS apps like Speechify to study while commuting or doing chores.
- Minimize distractions by creating a focused study space.
Multitasking can work if done wisely, but for serious tasks, focus is key.
Try the Myth of Multitasking Exercise!
The Downsides of Study Multitasking
Studies reveal that multitasking during study sessions isn’t as effective as it might seem. Instead of truly multitasking, the brain switches rapidly between tasks, a process involving “goal shifting” and “rule activation.” These shifts require extra time and mental energy, making it harder to focus .
When multitasking, the brain splits its resources, allocating half to each task. But here’s the catch: it struggles with more than two complex, related activities at once .
How Multitasking Affects the Brain
The table below highlights how multitasking impacts key brain functions:
| Brain Process | Impact of Multitasking |
|---|---|
| Memory Encoding | Reduced significantly for switch tasks compared to repeat tasks |
| Attention Span | Drops sharply after just 2 minutes of task switching |
| Information Processing | Limited capacity leads to less effective learning |
These cognitive challenges often lead to lower grades and reduced retention of information.
Effects on Grades and Learning
Multitasking during study sessions can seriously hurt academic performance. For example, students using laptops in class spend 62% of their time on unrelated activities. As a result, multitasking students are outperformed by a full letter grade and a half by their focused peers .
“While texting and learning to use media are important for socialization and the use of technology is an important skill, our data shows that students are paying a price for this behavior.” – Saraswathi Bellur, assistant professor in UConn’s Department of Communication
The impact on test scores is just as concerning:
- Students lose about 30% accuracy on quizzes when texting .
- Frequent texters score 10.6% lower on information tests .
- Texting behavior explains 22% of the variation in final grades .
These drops in performance often stem from common multitasking errors.
Main Multitasking Mistakes
Overconfidence is a major issue. While 93% of people think they multitask as well as or better than others, only 2.5% actually do it effectively .
Some typical mistakes include:
- Trying to process complex material while scrolling through social media.
- Taking 25 minutes to refocus after interruptions .
- Failing to recognize how task switching affects understanding.
- Believing multitasking saves time, when it actually extends study sessions.
“People who multitask all the time can’t filter out irrelevancy. They can’t manage a working memory. They’re chronically distracted. They initiate much larger parts of their brain that are irrelevant to the task at hand.” – Clifford Nass, Psychologist
For example, students who text while taking notes capture 62% less information and miss important details compared to those who stay focused .
When Multitasking Can Help Studies
Multitasking can make studying more efficient when tasks complement each other. Studies suggest that combining activities with similar structures or pairing routine tasks with study sessions can boost productivity .
Combining Simple Tasks with Study
Pairing activities that don’t compete for the same mental resources is key. For instance, using a dual coding strategy – mixing verbal and visual learning materials – can help improve memory retention .
Here are a few examples:
| Activity Combination | Benefits | Best Practices |
|---|---|---|
| Walking + Audio Learning | Improves circulation while studying | Walk at a steady pace on clear, safe paths |
| Visual Notes + Lecture Audio | Engages both verbal and visual learning | Focus on main ideas rather than detailed drawings |
| Simple Tasks + Review | Makes routine activities more productive | Pair with tasks requiring minimal attention |
Research by Rita F. de Oliveira highlights that performance can improve when tasks share similar timing, even under sensory-motor demands .
These approaches set the foundation for using technology to make multitasking during study sessions even more effective.
Study Tools for Multitasking
Modern tools make multitasking while studying easier. For example, the Listening app uses AI to convert academic texts into audio at an optimal speed of 140–180 words per minute . This aligns well with the earlier strategy of combining simple tasks with study for better retention.
Key Features:
- Skipping citations, references, and footnotes
- One-click note-taking with automatic sentence capture
- Adjustable playback speeds ranging from 0.5× to 4×
Text-to-speech (TTS) tools allow students to focus on understanding content rather than decoding words. To get the most out of TTS:
- Enable bi-modal reading with word highlighting
- Start with shorter texts to build familiarity
- Choose high-quality voice options for clarity
- Adjust playback speed to match your comprehension level
Research also shows that students with reading difficulties pay better attention using TTS compared to traditional reading methods .
Tips for Better Study Multitasking
Boost your study sessions by incorporating multitasking techniques effectively.
Text-to-Speech Apps for Students
Text-to-speech (TTS) apps let you absorb academic material while handling other tasks. For example, Speechify, used by over 30 million people, can read text at speeds up to 4.5× faster than normal, potentially saving up to 9 hours a week .
| Activity | Recommended TTS App | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Commuting | Speechify | Speeds up reading, saving valuable time |
| Exercise | Vocalini | Simplifies and translates complex texts |
| Household Tasks | Text to Speech | Offers 178 voice options in various accents |
“Speechify is absolutely brilliant. Growing up with dyslexia this would have made a big difference. I’m so glad to have it today.” – Sir Richard Branson
To get the most out of TTS apps, ensure your environment supports focused listening.
Reducing Study Interruptions
A distraction-free space is key to effective multitasking. Studies show that switching between tasks drains mental energy and wastes time . Here are some tips to minimize interruptions:
- Set specific times for email and social media checks.
- Use noise-canceling headphones to block out distractions.
- Create a dedicated study area away from common disruptions.
Another helpful approach is grouping similar tasks together, often called “batch processing.” This method reduces the mental strain caused by frequent task switching .
Matching Task Difficulty Levels
Combining tasks with similar or complementary mental demands can improve focus and retention. Research suggests that pairing activities strategically can enhance engagement.
| Primary Task | Compatible Secondary Task | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Academic Papers | Walking/Light Exercise | Utilizes different cognitive resources |
| Listening to Lectures | Organizing Notes | Complements learning processes |
| Practice Problems | Background Music | Minimizes cognitive interference |
Pairing a routine activity with one requiring more focus allows you to stay productive without feeling overwhelmed .
Conclusion: Making Smart Multitasking Choices
Effective multitasking depends on choosing tasks that work together instead of competing for your mental energy. Studies reveal that 98% of people find multitasking challenging , yet many students still try to juggle tasks during study sessions.
| Task Type | Best Approach | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Complex Reading | Single-tasking | Needs full mental focus |
| Light Exercise | Combined with audio learning | Engages different mental pathways |
| Note Organization | Batch processing | Shares similar cognitive demands |
This table highlights how the nature of a task determines the best way to approach it. Psychology Professor Larry Rosen explains:
“Young people have a wildly inflated idea of how many things they can attend to at once, and this demonstration helps drive the point home: If you’re paying attention to your phone, you’re not paying attention to what’s going on in class.”
His research stresses the importance of a focused, distraction-free study strategy. Pairing tasks like physical activity with text-to-speech (TTS) tools can help maintain concentration without reducing comprehension.
Victoria Rideout, an independent research consultant, adds:
“I don’t care if a kid wants to tweet while she’s watching American Idol, or have music on while he plays a video game. But when students are doing serious work with their minds, they have to have focus.”
Multitasking cuts into productivity, with students spending only 65% of their study time on actual schoolwork . To get more done, try working in 20-minute focused intervals before switching tasks . This method respects how your brain works while helping you learn more effectively.
FAQ
Is multitasking while studying bad for focus and grades?
Yes, multitasking can significantly reduce focus and lower grades. Studies show that task switching reduces memory, attention span, and accuracy by up to 30%. Students who use laptops for non-study tasks in class perform a letter grade and a half lower than those who stay focused.
Why does multitasking make studying harder?
The brain isn’t wired for true multitasking. Instead, it rapidly switches between tasks, a process called “goal shifting” and “rule activation.” These constant shifts increase cognitive load, making it harder to retain information, process complex ideas, and stay focused. Frequent interruptions also take an average of 25 minutes to refocus, further disrupting study efficiency.
Can multitasking ever help with studying?
Yes, when done wisely, multitasking can improve productivity. Pairing simple, low-effort tasks with studying—such as walking while listening to a lecture or using visual notes while following an audio lesson—can enhance retention without overwhelming the brain. The key is to combine activities that don’t compete for the same cognitive resources.
What are the best study tools for productive multitasking?
Text-to-speech (TTS) apps like Listening, Speechify, and Audemic Scholar allow students to listen to research papers, textbooks, or lecture notes while doing routine tasks. Features like speed control, citation skipping, and note-taking help students absorb material efficiently while multitasking.
How can students reduce distractions while studying?
To minimize distractions:
- Set specific times for social media and email checks.
- Use noise-canceling headphones to block out background noise.
- Create a dedicated study space free from interruptions.
- Batch similar tasks together to reduce cognitive strain from switching between activities.
What’s the best way to balance focus and multitasking?
Multitasking should only be used for routine or physical tasks, while complex reading or problem-solving requires single-tasking. A good strategy is working in 20-minute focused intervals, followed by brief breaks or switching to a lighter task like listening to study material.
Can listening to study material while exercising be effective?
Yes! Studies show that pairing light exercise with audio learning can improve concentration and retention. Walking or stretching while listening to study material engages different cognitive pathways, making it a productive way to absorb information without overloading the brain.
What are the biggest mistakes students make when multitasking?
Common mistakes include:
- Trying to process complex material while distracted (e.g., reading while scrolling through social media).
- Overestimating their ability to multitask, even though only 2.5% of people can do it effectively.
- Not realizing task switching increases mental fatigue, making study sessions longer and less effective.
How can students use multitasking without hurting their learning?
To multitask effectively:
- Pair study sessions with simple, low-effort activities like light exercise.
- Use TTS apps to listen to research while commuting or doing chores.
- Avoid multitasking during deep-focus work like writing or solving complex problems.
- Break study sessions into focused intervals, switching to easier tasks in between.
