SYNTHESIZING IDEAS

Synthesizing Ideas

To Multitask or Not to Multitask

“How and Why to Stop Multitasking”and The New Marshmallow Test both supply ample evidence that multitasking causes problems, and “In Defense of Multitasking” (pp. 522–24) acknowledges that multitasking is problematic. But the author of “In Defense of Multitasking” argues that, regardless of its problems, multitasking is unavoidable, that it “is crucial to survival in today’s workplace.”

Analyzing the Readings

  1. Having read the three articles on multitasking, are you persuaded that multitasking is unavoidable and necessary?
  2. Write a journal entry exploring the upsides and downsides of multitasking. Based on your reading, how might you attempt to persuade Bregman that multitasking is inevitable? How might you persuade Silverman that multitasking is not essential?

Essay Idea

Write an essay in which you refute either Bregman’s or Silverman’s main claim. Use evidence from either of the two essays in this chapter or the essay in Chapter 1 to support your position and conduct research as needed.