Multitasking has become a common practice among teenagers in modern society. There are products that cater to multitasking to make the “task” easier, such as computers with multiple monitors, beds with a built-in TV, Bluetooth headphones, and smart watches. Like everything, there is always a cause and an effect and multitasking is no exception. One must be wary of the effects of multitasking, so that they can learn how it affects them and those around them. Some may never know why they can't get their work done on time. It could be caused by their tendency to multitask or a mental disorder, but they wouldn't know until they looked into the problem. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay American teenagers have become addicted to multitasking. Due to the recent generation that has grown up around easy access to the Internet, phones and other electronic devices, multitasking has become the preferred work style. There are a multitude of products and programs available to use in multitasking, which makes it even easier to do so instead of focusing on one thing at a time (Paul). Previous generations did not have the technology available that distinguishes the way some of them function while working. Researchers question whether multitasking is actually effective and how it affects the way people think and do things. They say “there is still no solid answer on whether multitasking helps, harms, or has no effect on adolescent development.” Larry Rosen, a psychology professor at California State University, conducted a survey of students and how they studied. He observed the students for a period of time and took notes every minute of what they were working on, what tabs the students had open on their computers, and other activities they had on hand. Extra activities included browsing social media, texting friends, watching videos, and more. Only 65% ​​of the study period, on average, was used to do actual work (Paul). This is an important difference compared to someone who gives their full attention to the task at hand. Essentially, multitasking is when you have one main goal and add one or more unnecessary distractions. Neuroscientist Karin Foerde says that "everyone feels like something different is happening than before" when they multitask, which, in turn, tricks the brain into thinking it's getting more done. These distractions take up large amounts of your working memory. They also cause a decrease in executive functions, or the ability to determine which tasks are most important. This can be seen as a form of temporary self-induced ADD. ADD or attention deficit disorder is a developmental disorder that prevents the affected person from concentrating on one task at a time for long periods of time. Multitasking isn't just used for the sense of accomplishment; it is considered fashionable by some. This is because multitasking is “not as boring” as doing homework alone. Some also believe that because they spent so much time multitasking, their brains developed differently to adapt to the new way of working. While they may be right about their brains developing differently, it's not for the best. Constant exposure to these conditions can cause some to not fully develop 28 2019