Week 14 Overload

There's lots of research indicating humans don't multitask well. I'm in that 98% category mentioned in Business Insider.

http://psych.newcastle.edu.au/~ae273/Gatekeeper_XOR/results.php

Above are my Gatekeeper test results supporting the fact that I don't multitask well. But I already knew that. In 2011, I underwent an ADD/ADHD examination. I didn't test positive for ADD/ADHD because I don't have learning or memory problems, but I did show traits associated with, "Some type of attention deficit."

Basically, I'm easily distracted. Shiny objects, right?

Unless one often interprets data from graphs, the results are poorly presented. Maybe the researchers should use a Bell Curve, or some other easily understood graphic representation. Also, it felt like the Gatekeeper test would better measure pattern recognition and memory. It was like a modified version of the game Simon or a Bop-It. Apparently, the original test had participants perform multiple tasks while in driving simulations. That sounds more appropriate to multitasking. I figured I'd score about average with the Gatekeeper test. But they should modify it. Having worked as a doorman at various bars the scenario was familiar, but in no way was the test representative of that.

The most interesting part of the research is the fact that 2% do very well. Is it the start of a new evolutionary adaptation in response to modern lifestyles? It's certainly possible. I think the researchers should test people during MRI scans and look at some gene sequences, if they haven't already. The results would be enlightening.

The 7 activities to stop and become more productive are all very familiar. No real surprises, but the refresher is nice. It's still just another variation of tips any self-help guide advocates. I enjoyed step 7 and the explanation of "alone time." In class, I recounted how peers thought I was nuts to check into hotels and unplug from the world during my semi-monthly "Zen Weekends." Step 7 lends support to my concept, which is what step 6 recommends you do.

I think faking cultural literacy is connected to the digital self-isolation phenomenon. There's simply too many outlets for a person to keep up, and people tend to filter out everything that doesn't fit into their personal world. Why lie about it? Pre-internet, there far fewer outlets and people within the same region were exposed to similar media, especially from the top mass media producers. It seems like as information abundance grew, so did the public's ability and desire to filter it. We now live in an age where people know less despite access to more. Maybe a cultural shift is needed where people own up to ignorance but are willing to disengage their filter bubbles. Over the week-end, a friend shared a link to a performance by the band Baby Metal. They combine Japanese pop-music with hard metal. I don't listen to either genre, but by owning my ignorance and giving them a try, I discovered something new I liked that otherwise would have been missed.

On the other hand, I've never heard a song by Miley Cyruss, only parodies. I'll keep wearing that as a badge of honor, much like never having watched American Idol.

The Death by Information Overload in HBR summarized several research findings and linked the problem with economic losses. I haven't considered that angle much, but it's interesting. Now that the problem's been identified, a prospective research project should be how to apply the various strategies in the article into an effective and cohesive whole. If not research, then a potentially profitable start-up. Jerry Michalski (mentioned in the article) employs a good approach. Who else uses similar methods. Finding those people and surveying them makes a good starting point for further inquiry.

In No Time to Think, we read about two types of thought -- everyday necessary thinking vs true contemplation. It makes sense, but I don't see Americans making large strides to address the issue anytime soon. True contemplation is a privileged activity. It requires resources, both money and time. As the class/economical divide widens, the majority of people don't have the luxury of often engaging in contemplation. Someone would need to be one of the 2% of good multitaskers and/or financially stable enough to afford the time required. Because a minority of the populace possesses the needed elements, we're stuck with homogenized ideas with only occasional groundbreakers.

Except for matters of true importance, pull-dynamics online are the way to go. Again, there's too much information to suffer continuos push broadcasting. I view pull searches as another method of self-isolation though. They're a necessary adaptation, but contribute to filter bubbles and ignorant publics. Media companies new this well and taylor their broadcasts for their demographic targets. It takes experience and time to effectively sift through information, and humans are not efficient multitaskers. The current best practice is to combine push/pull consumption and hope for better times ahead. Remember the cliché, "Some are born for greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them." The problem with push broadcasts is a distinct lack of greatness, and few are born with the resources to pull greatness to themselves.