What term describes the process that reduces efficiency and performance because the brain can only handle one task at a time?

The term that best describes the process that reduces efficiency and performance due to the brain's limitation of handling only one task at a time is multitasking. When individuals attempt to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously, they often experience a decrease in overall productivity because their focus gets divided. Research indicates that the brain struggles to process several pieces of information at once, leading to errors, increased time to complete tasks, and a general decline in performance quality.

Multitasking may create the illusion of getting more done, but in reality, it can fragment attention, making it harder to maintain concentration. This phenomenon is well-studied in the fields of psychology and productivity, emphasizing the importance of focusing on a single task at a time for better efficiency and effectiveness.