Multitasking in the Era of Constant Connectivity: A Cognitive Analysis of Its Costs on Mental Performance and Well-Being

https://doi.org/10.56741/apsa.v1i01.991

Authors

Keywords:

Attention Economy, Cognitive Load, Digital Multitasking, Mental Health, Task Switching

Abstract

Multitasking is becoming a crucial part of everyday life for knowledge workers, students, and anybody navigating technologically advanced environments in the digital age. Emerging empirical research shows that digital multitasking imposes significant cognitive and psychological demands, despite being frequently seen as an indication of efficiency. The effects of digital multitasking on mental health, productivity, and cognitive load are examined critically in this article. We contend, based on theoretical frameworks and empirical data, that the apparent increases in productivity are mostly a mirage, masking significant reductions in working memory, attention span, and emotional control. This research provides a thorough examination of the trade-offs related to continuous task-switching in the digital setting by utilizing a conceptual framework that connects digital multitasking with cognitive and psychological effects. Current research is compiled to show the wider repercussions on personal health and productivity at work, highlighting the necessity of evidence-based tactics to lessen the negative consequences of multitasking in today's digital world.

Author Biographies

Ratna Yunita Setiyani Subardjo, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

is a lecturer at the Psychology Department, University of Aisyiyah Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Now, she is studying in the same area for a Doctoral degree at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. She is interested in clinical psychology, cyberbullying, victimization, depression, suicide, forensic psychology, community psychology, and resilience. She is popular as a motivator, counselor, and psychologist. She is a peer reviewer in The Journal PLOS ONE, BMC Psychology, BMC Psychiatry, and Frontiers, indexing Scopus and WOS in Q1, PSIKIS Journal, etc. ORCID ID: 0000-0002-8942-5309. Scopus ID: 59682065200. WOS ID: GPT-0319-2022. She is the Chief Editor of Advances in Psychological Sciences and Applications (APSA) Journal at iistr.org (email: ratnayunita@unisayogya.ac.id).

Zeeshan Khan, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

is an education scientist. He just got a Doctor of Philosophy from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia with an excellent thesis and Graduate On Time (GOT). He had a publication in Q1 WOS Scopus (PLOS One) and F1000 Journal. His fields are: human trafficking and technology. He is the Editor of Advances in Psychological Sciences and Applications (APSA) Journal at iistr.org (email: zplus.1371@gmail.com).

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Published

2025-05-24

How to Cite

Subardjo, R. Y. S., & Khan, Z. (2025). Multitasking in the Era of Constant Connectivity: A Cognitive Analysis of Its Costs on Mental Performance and Well-Being. Advances in Psychological Sciences and Applications, 1(01), 23–31. https://doi.org/10.56741/apsa.v1i01.991

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 01 (2025): Advances in Psychological Sciences and Applications

Section

Articles
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Copyright (c) 2025 Ratna Yunita Setiyani Subardjo, Zeeshan Khan

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.