Subj : Re: multi vs single tasking and whether you are on the spectrum
To   : k9zw
From : poindexter FORTRAN
Date : Wed Aug 06 2025 06:16:41

-=> k9zw wrote to hyjinx <=-

 k9> On 04 May 2025, hyjinx said the following...

 hy> itself to being on BBSes a lot more. The problem with BBSing on a modern
 hy> PC is that modern OS's are multi-tasking. There are so many
 hy> pop-ups/notifications, other shit on the screen that vie for my
 hy> attention. I'm growing more and more aware that I might be at least a
 hy> bit ADHD or something on the spectrum and staying focussed on looking at
 hy> an MRC chat with other things vying for my attention is quite hard. But
 hy> on a DOS machine, it's single tasking pretty much, which makes me stop
 hy> and pay attention. I love it!- Let me know if you have similar feels
 hy> about multi vs single tasking and whether you are on the spectrum or
 hy> not. I'd genuinely love to hear from you.

 k9> Hey Hyjinx - it benefits to have a single-thread to one's engagement,
 k9> but a lot of what you are seeing is common and natural.

 PEOPLE DON'T MULTITASK. At best, we can task switch with a penalty
 during the context switch. Creating an environment where you can
 perform deep work without distraction is important.

 I'm getting into writing again, and looking into setting up a computer
 with limited apps and a full-screen word processor. Even then, the
 temptation to look up a reference or a source I'm writing about is
 tempting.

 Right now, I do most of my writing exercises on a 45 cent spiral
 notebook with a 20 cent Bic pen. Combining a distraction-free
 environment with the added effort of putting pen to paper ends up being
 much more focused than even a full-screen word processor. Without
 context switching from writing to looking up something on the web and
 back, I'm much more focused - and more relaxed and clear-headed when
 I'm done.








 k9> Seems that everyone is on the spectrum, whether slightly or something
 k9> more noticed.

 k9> Tolerance for distraction definitely changes for a person over time.

 k9> Similarly the capabilities to multi-task change, often for the simpler,
 k9> over one's life.

 k9> A way you can simulate this is to compare your personal effectiveness
 k9> between a state of well rested and well fed/watered contrasting with a
 k9> greater than 95% spent moment while hungry and thirsty.

 k9> When in the highly challenged mode you will have a highly different
 k9> effectiveness compared to the times when you are "up on all measures."

 k9> We also see this when people are unwell.  Their world gets smaller and
 k9> they perhaps deal with a single task, rather than their usual.

 k9> Afraid Age also does some of this to us.

 k9> And I also think we mentally give up on wasting so much energy
 k9> multi-tasking at low efficiency, maybe barely on some of the
 k9> task-threads and develop a preference to do less tasks but to do them
 k9> well.

 k9> Some say the cumulative accumulation of life toxins plays a role too.

 k9> All good stuff to know!

 k9> ... How do I set my laser printer to stun?

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