The Unitasker

 AJ Jacob’s writing is inspiring and makes me want to try unitasking for one day. First, the way is structures his essay is clear to follow and really relays his point. The essay is structured into sections with defined subtitles. One knows what they’re about to read and they are mentally prepared to focus on it. This is almost how Jacob’s focuses on his single tasks. Next, Jacob’s is sure to bring in personal stories and several expert opinions. Not only does this provide ethos behind the writing, but it also provides for some interest. His hook at the beginning answers why he is asking to what extent can we unitask. Personal stories continue into his sections. By the time he begins talking about his quite dinner with his wife, it is clear that he is taking his experiment all the way. The personal connection makes the audience develop a relationship with the author and continue interest in what he is saying. I enjoyed the testimony of the experts as they really answered the effects. How multitasking was dangerous, as proven through statistics and studies.

The major question Jacob’s is asking is what effect unitasking has and how possible it is to attain. He begins by giving historic examples. When there was no television or Internet, unitasking was normal. Then, explaining how distractions have evolved, he examines the modern day unitask. So while he proves that it is or at least was possible in the past, I feel as if he is infinitely approaching a limit with modern applications. No matter how much he is trying, he still is constantly getting distracted and thinking of other tasks even when physically only doing one thing. Even on his last day he slips up.