Forced Multitasking 😕

[PollyannaMom]

Just a small vent - and wondering whether the same things bothers others as well?

I was watching the early morning news, and I hate that they expect me to pay attention to two stories at once - the main broadcast and another print one scrolling along the bottom of the screen.

I feel like it started innocently enough - sports scores or expected temperatures in the bottom corner, real breaking news during a regular program, but now it's two unrelated stories, both important, at the same time.

Are we just expected to be so used to multitasking on our phones now that they think this is how we want to consume news? I certainly don't, and I feel like I'm always missing details.

 

[DisneyOma]

It's a bane on society, that's for certain. I believe it's a contributing factor to the rise in ADHD (and people will argue with me) and anxiety.

 

[shh]

It's why I haven't watched broadcast news in 15+ years - I get a daily digital newspaper subscription, where I'm in control of which stories I read and get a more adult, thoughtful presentation- vs all the dramatic hype and ticker headlines fighting each other.

That "multi-tasking" mindset runs rampant today: people are so arrogant, they think they can do 6 things at once and absorb them all equally well. They won't stop to focus or absorb anything.

They're listening to half of what you're saying, as they stare at their phone. They skim through emails at lightening speed, then need to be re-briefed because they skipped all the critical details. They work on several projects at once, with none done particularly well.

 

[kdonnel]

I don't think I can only watch TV anymore. I only watch TV while also using my iPad to play a game or browse the internet.

 

[ronandannette]

Our local morning news show is so bad now with the split-screens and banners across both top-and-bottom that I find it completely unwatchable.
But being the multi-tasker that I just naturally am, I don’t really “watch” tv very closely anyway - just listen to it.

I do get the point you’re making @shh . My workday is a solid 8 hours of interruptions and distractions and the expectation that I’ll do everything and deal with everybody at once. It’s both the role and the culture of our workplace. When something is VITAL, not only do I have to close my door, I also put a big Do Not Disturb sign on it and claim to be in a Zoom meeting or webinar. That doesn’t always stop everybody but it does slow them down.

 

[Smugpugmug]

I don't watch the news as much as I used to, but I hated this too. Especially since the scrolling text on the bottom was so tiny and I would have to really concentrate to read it (I'm nearsighted).

As someone with ADHD, I have this problem in general though. I have a hard time focusing on one specific thing. Even when I watch TV or Youtube, I need to have another tab open or I'm on my phone. It's a constant struggle for my brain to focus on anything and it's extremely frustrating.

 

[shh]

I don't think I can only watch TV anymore. I only watch TV while also using my iPad to play a game or browse the internet.

Everyone is so different - it's interesting. I can't even imagine doing that and never would: it would drive me crazy. When I watch TV, it's deliberate: I'm there to be fully immmersed in a specific series or movie. Just like I wouldn't be on my phone or computer during a movie at the theatre, it would be the same for me re: home entertainment. When I'm online, that's all I'm doing as well - the sound or sight of the TV would just annoy/distract me.

 

[Mysterian]

I recall there will be a popular story covered while down below were headlines of completely unrelated tone. So if there's a huge interstate wreck, you look down and see "panda born in the zoo" and "Oscar Meyer wiener mobile breaks down at Burger Fest".

I googled and was even more shocked to see the opposite!

 

[Mysterian]

It's a bane on society, that's for certain. I believe it's a contributing factor to the rise in ADHD (and people will argue with me) and anxiety.

Not to mention the constant ramping up on tension and scare tactics to maintain viewership. One horrible event will be milked continuously throughout the day/week across multiple shows discussing it. And there will always be speculation and opinions thrown in to persuade the viewer that things can get worse.