Multitasking adults have hands full.

• Position: Life in America - Brief Article

While a large number of American adults are multitasking, they are not necessarily succeeding in accomplishing more, relates a poll released by Scientific American Mind. According to the study, multitasking is widespread at home and work. Two-thirds of respondents indicated they cleaned the house, cooked, and took care of the kids simultaneously. Another 47% acknowledged reading or writing e-mail while talking on the phone. Almost 36% do other things while working, such as conducting business by phone while playing with the kids (29%).

Multitasking while working especially is prevalent among young adults and decreases with age. It is most widespread among 18- to 34-year-olds (51%); followed by 35- to 44-year-olds (40%); 45- to 54-year-olds (33%); and less prevalent among 55- to 64-year-olds (23%) and those over 65 (16%). Playing computer games while doing office work is quite popular among the 18-to-34 crowd...