Families and Technology

This is a blog where we talk about technology and its effects on families, individuals, our children, and our society. We explore where it's helpful, and when it's harmful. Speak up with your comments. Share your ideas.

Wednesday, August 10, 2005

Teens, TV, Multitasking

A new report says:

New York, July 28/PRNewswire — As they get older, American tweens and young teens — the 8-14 year old crowd — become increasingly disinterested in watching television, and more and more distracted when they do watch it, according to The U.S. Market for Tweens and Young Teens, a new report from publisher Packaged Facts, a division of MarketResearch.com.

The TV still reigns supreme—almost 80% of the younger tweens say that they "love" watching television, according to research conducted by Simmons Market Research Bureau. However, this drops to 60% when kids reach their early teen years. And, many tweens and young teens often do something else while the tube is on, such as read, listen to music or use a computer.

It's interesting to note that it doesn't say that they turn it off. They just think less highly of television as they get older, and they start doing other things while it is on.

"Tweens and young teens are mastering the adult art of multi-tasking," says Don Montuori, acquisitions editor of Packaged Facts. "The Internet, in particular, offers a compelling alternative to TV programming, and this is a significant development for marketers in their efforts to target these consumers."

Mastering the adult art of multi-tasking they say. Is multi-tasking something that we really need to strive to be better at? I actually expend a reasonable amount of effort to try to stay focused and to avoid doing too many things at once.

I cannot read with the chatter of a TV in the background. I don't allow the TV to be on during dinner because it's a distraction. I wouldn't let my kids do homework in front of it either.

I do listen to music through my headphones when I work at my computer, but that's actually just to drown out the conversations that happen around me during the day that would be more distracting. Plus, people are less likely to bother you when you have headphones on.

Do we do our best work when multitasking? Do we get the most enjoyment out of life as we juggle multiple things, without giving full attention to anything?

posted by Mark Sicignano Permalink    

4 Comments:

  • At 9:24 AM, brettdl said…

    I multitask of course, but not to the same end. I might make breakfast right after getting the laundry started. While something is cooking, I'll start taking the dishes out of the dishwasher.

    But when it comes to other things -- such as writing -- it's best to focus.

    Btw: I also can't have the TV on when I'm doing anything else.

    Bonus: If I put my phone headphones on at work, people tend to leave me alone more, too.

     

  • At 8:29 PM, J.W. Koebel said…

    There's probably only one or two television programs I will devote my full attention to -- but my total television time is less than two hours a day, even counting when I'm multitasking my viewing.

    It just doesn't interest me, the current crop of reality television shows, overstretched comedies/dramas, or religious/foreign programming that tends to be on. We need more solid programming that has good content, and fairly *decent* content at that (Law and Order, etc.)

    My $0.02, on my first visit back here for a month or so when I was out of town.

     

  • At 3:59 PM, Daniel Dewey said…

    Are there any studies on 'multi-tasking' or on how attention span is affected by age?

    I remember that as a teenager, I could listen to the TV/Radio, play computer games AND manage to do homework... all at the same time. Drove my dad crazy!

    Now that I'm in my 30s I typically focus on just one of these activities to the exclusion of all else (My wife pokes me to make sure I'm paying attention to her, lest a converation be missed because of the TV). When working at home, I need to keep the radio turned off.

    My teenage daughter listens to music on the PC, chats with no less than 4 people, and is supposedly doing homework. Throw in phone time for good measure... she must be a genius!

    No, I don't think so. I don't think "tweens" necessarily are better at multi-tasking... I think their attention is just more easily spread thin. I've seen my daughter's writing... and I don't need to be channelling my own father right now.

     

  • At 3:01 PM, Anonymous said…

    pooooooooooooooooo!

     

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