How many times in a day are you doing just one thing?

Or is it more common that you’re multitasking – maybe texting and walking? Reading while listening to music?

We all multitask to some degree, but do any of us do it well? And is that even possible?

This week on All in the Mind, we look into the science of multitasking – why we struggle to do it, why some of us are better at it than others – and how to do it effectively if you must.

First broadcast 19 December 2021.

Misadventures in multitasking

All In The Mind is ABC RN's weekly podcast looking into the mental universe, the mind, brain and behaviour — everything from addiction to artificial intelligence.

Science

Health & Fitness

Life Sciences

So you've got a loved one who's fallen deep down the conspiracy rabbit hole. Are they destined to stay there forever?

Today, we hear from a former conspiracy theorist and a social psychologist on what fuels these beliefs, how likely people are to change their minds, and what you can (and can't) do to help.

Want to listen to more All in the Mind? Check out our episode, The Certainty Myth.

How to help a conspiracy theorist: an ex believer and an expert weigh in

Over the last couple of weeks, schizophrenia has been appearing in headlines across the country as details of the Bondi Junction attack unfold.

Coverage of mental health conditions, especially one as complex as schizophrenia, can be shrouded in stigma.

So today, we revisit our conversation with journalist Elfy Scott, sharing the one thing her family never spoke about - her mother's schizophrenia. 

This episode was first broadcast in April 2023. 

If you're looking for what to listen to next, check out our episode ADHD, TikTok, Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria — meet Matilda's brain

Stigma, shame and schizophrenia

The AI revolution is coming. Your mind isn't ready for it.

Cognitive Neuroscientist Joel Pearson walks us through the many ways artificial intelligence is messing — and will mess — with our psychology.

From falling in love with AI to unforgettable deep fakes, we dive into an uncertain future and what you can do to prepare for it.

If you'd like to hear more from Joel, he featured on our episode about intuition called When to trust your gut instinct, and when to ignore it.

And if you want to hear more about artificial intelligence, check out the latest season of Science Friction, Hello AI Overlords.

"Scarier than killer robots": why your mind isn't ready for AI

Researchers knew Susannah better than her own parents.

They may have even known her better than herself.

Today, how spending thirty years in a psychological study warped journalist Susannah Breslin's life.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to check out another, take a listen to Trauma, OCD and a PhD.

Being a human lab rat for 30 years: what happens next

Whether it's shaking hands or which side of the road to drive on, social norms dominate the way we behave.

But when norms change suddenly, you get chaos.

Just ask Sweden.

If you'd like to hear more from today's expert, Matt featured in an episode in 2021 called Neuromarketing — how brands target your brain. Check it out!

Misadventures in multitasking

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