--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Jordan Grafman, head of the cognitive…" description: "\"“Jordan Grafman, head of the cognitive neuroscience unit at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, explains that the constant shi..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/596/nicholas-carr-4579_focus_jordan-grafman-head-of-the-cognitive-neu_2143222.jpg" --- # Jordan Grafman, head of the cognitive neuroscience unit at… ![“Jordan Grafman, head of the cognitive neuroscience unit at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, explains that the constant shifting of our attention when we’re online may make our brains more nimble when it comes to multitasking, but improving our ability to multitask…” quote by Nicholas Carr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/596/nicholas-carr-4579_focus_jordan-grafman-head-of-the-cognitive-neu_2143222.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/596/nicholas-carr-4579_focus_jordan-grafman-head-of-the-cognitive-neu_2143222.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/596/nicholas-carr-4579_focus_jordan-grafman-head-of-the-cognitive-neu_2143222.jpg) > ““Jordan Grafman, head of the cognitive neuroscience unit at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, explains that the constant shifting of our attention when we’re online may make our brains more nimble when it comes to multitasking, but improving our ability to multitask actually hampers our ability to think deeply and creatively.”” [Nicholas Carr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nicholas-carr/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Online multitasking can sharpen quick-switching but degrades deep, creative thought. **In simple terms:** Multitasking hurts deep thinking. Key Takeaway Limit multitasking for deep work. Themes attention multitasking creativity focus Mood reflective analytical Type advice observational When to use this quote - writing - research - problem solving - learning Key Concepts cognitive neuroscience neuroplasticity attention span Questions to Reflect On - How can you protect deep work time? - What tasks truly need multitasking? A Different Perspective Deep work requires sustained focus, not constant switching. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Focus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/focus/) ## Related quotes > [The ability to 'multitask,' to switch rapidly among many competing focuses of attention, has become the hallmark of a successful citizen of the 21st…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ellen-ullman/the-ability-to-multitask-to-switch-rapidly-among-many-competing/) [Ellen Ullman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ellen-ullman/) > [Silence is not an absence of sound but rather a shifting of attention toward sounds that speak to the soul.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-moore/silence-is-not-an-absence-of-sound-but-rather-a-shifting-of-attention/) [Thomas Moore](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-moore/) > [“Shifting attention away from an undesirable issue is an ideal practice.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steven-redhead/shifting-attention-away-from-an-undesirable-issue-is-an-ideal-practice/) [Steven Redhead](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steven-redhead/) > [“As women, our ability to multitask can be a blessing, but it becomes a huge liability when we take on too much and then…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ngina-otiende/as-women-our-ability-to-multitask-can-be-a-blessing-but-it-becomes-a/) [Ngina Otiende](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ngina-otiende/) > [I must have a God-given talent, which is the ability to multitask, plus I have great retention. 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