Multitasking Distorts Time Perceptions: Examining Time Passage and Time Duration During Media Multitasking

• In Event: Multitasking and Selective Attention

Abstract

In this study, we examine two measures associated with the psychology of time— passage and duration. Time was perceived to “fly by” in the high-entertainment condition that involved watching a sitcom, whereas time “dragged on” in the low-entertainment condition that involved reading a journal article. Likewise, estimated time duration in minutes also was longer in the high-entertainment condition than the low-entertainment condition. In addition, activity-switching had a significant effect on time passage and time duration. In comparison to the low-entertainment condition, participants perceived time to pass quickly and estimated longer time duration when switching between the low- and high-entertainment activities. Further, individual differences in multitasking habits and preferences were found to be negatively correlated with time duration estimation, suggesting automatic cognitive adjustments by chronic multitaskers to offset time distortions associated with multitasking. Implications for theory and measurement of media and communication research are discussed.

Authors

• Shan Xu, Ohio State University

• Prabu David, Michigan State University