• By training and improving cognitive control processes due to frequent media multitasking, the trained attention hypothesis is argued to positively affect cognitive control.

• Multitasking practice can improve ability to filter irrelevant information according to the trained attention hypothesis.

• The trained attention hypothesis is supported by differences in performance when distractor filtering is examined among multitaskers with different frequencies.

Theories of attention (positive effects)

• It is believed that attention can be allocated only to one task at a time according to the bottleneck theory of attention.

• According to the scattered attention hypothesis, despite attentional distractions, individuals who spend long periods of time multitasking may struggle to maintain focus despite scattered attention.

• The concentration required to perform multiple tasks can lead to deficits in cognitive control due to a high demand on attentional capacity.

Theories of attention (negative effects)

People's attention refers to how they actively process information in their surroundings. By selectively attending to a stimulus, attention enhances the processing of that stimulus and decreases the processing of unattended stimuli.

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

•	Theories of attention

•	Working memory theories

Theoretical foundation

May, K.E., Elder, A.D. Efficient, helpful, or distracting? A literature review of media multitasking in relation to academic performance. Int J Educ Technol High Educ 15, 13 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-018-0096-z


Efficient, helpful, or distracting? A literature review of media multitasking in relation to academic performance

•	As a cognitive mechanism, the visual working memory maintains a small amount of visual information as a temporary storage buffer that can be accessed efficiently to achieve goals.

•	Researchers have found that working memory is a more effective predictor of multitasking skills than cognitive abilities, personality traits, or experience.


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