Can Multitasking Impair Concentration? 

Absolutely, multitasking and concentration do not mix well. Despite the popular myth that doing multiple things at once boosts productivity, the human brain isn’t wired for true multitasking. What we’re really doing is task-switching, and it comes at a cognitive cost. 

Why Divided Attention Lowers Focus 

Every time you switch from one task to another, your brain has to refocus and reorient. This slows you down, increases mental fatigue, and raises the chance of errors. The more you split your attention, the harder it becomes to maintain deep focus on any one task. That’s the danger of divided attention, you’re busy, but not effective. 

Here’s how it affects your productivity focus: 

Shallower thinking:  

Multitasking prevents deep, sustained attention, which is essential for complex problem-solving. 

Increased mistakes:  

Constant switching leads to small but frequent errors, often without you realising. 

Mental exhaustion:  

Your brain works harder to juggle tasks, draining energy faster. 

Reduced memory retention:  

Information taken in while multitasking is less likely to be stored long term. 

If you’re trying to concentrate, the best strategy is to monotask, give one task your full attention before moving to the next. Even short blocks of focused time are more productive than an entire day of mental juggling. 

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations to better understand how brain imaging can inform ADHD treatment.  

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to ADHD difficulty concentrating.