Just as the hammer has extended our hands, the Internet extends the reach of our brains. When used efficiently as a tool, far from hurting us, technology makes us smarter. However, if the web’s distractions sometimes make your head hurt, you’re not alone. The brain performs optimally when focusing on one task rather than switching back and forth between multiple tasks. Some evidence suggests that it becomes more difficult for people to focus when they are accustomed to multitasking. Even if you don’t intend to multitask, the web’s numerous distractions can make you do so unintentionally.
It may seem difficult at first, but just as you formed the habit of multitasking, you can re-form the habit of focus. It just takes practice. Start by reading a book cover to cover. Less than 2% of Americans do that once per year.
-- Jeff Stibel
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