When I look around seeing people working, especially in the workplace, there are a lot of different types of work ethics seen around. I have seen a lot of people, especially the older generation, talking about how today’s children don’t respect or have very poor work ethics. But as we work around, there are boundaries set by the so-called younger generation, yet they are also doing a lot of things at the same time. So, is multitasking a Gen Z or Millennial thing, the need of the hour, or something that they have become used to?

Among all generations, it is seen that Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2012) and Millennials (born between 1981 and 1996) have made multitasking a very natural, casual part of their everyday lives. Simple examples include switching from social media to work emails or studying while listening to music. This generation has taken multitasking as a default way of functioning, not as a special skill. What really set it in root for this generation?

Growing up in the digital age

One of the possible reasons why multitasking might feel natural could be because of their relationship with technology. The rise of the internet came when Millennials were growing up, and by the time Gen Z came of age, technology already had a firm hold.

For Millennials, they had to learn to adapt to new technology as they grew—like smartphones, computers to laptops, video streaming, etc. This constant change and evolution demanded flexibility and comfort with switching.

By the time Millennials got comfortable adjusting to it, Gen Z had never known a world without technology. Using multiple screens at the same time is second nature—it’s common to see a Gen Z doing homework while texting and listening to a podcast.

Combining is a normalised task; it became an absolute necessity. Ignoring multitasking feels almost impossible.

Social media and using attention as an economy

If there is something that has played a big part in training these multitasking habits, it is social media. Various platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter are designed in such a way that they keep users engaged by providing short, quick content. This has resulted in splitting attention across multiple streams.

Scrolling through social media and replying to messages simultaneously, watching YouTube, etc., has become a very typical movement pattern. These platforms also thrive on this kind of attention, where every app competes for focus. To keep up, we’ve learnt to divide our attention and process multiple inputs at the same time.

Multitasking has become a need for survival rather than a skill because of the overload of content.

Demand of work and study

With increasing competition and a wave of new ideas, Millennials and Gen Z face growing pressure in their academic and professional lives, which in turn has increased multitasking.

In the workplace, many end up having multiple roles due to the gig economy, remote work setups, and downsizing. There is a lot of hustling and freelancing happening alongside full-time jobs. Meanwhile, students are expected to master digital tools, manage online learning, maintain extracurricular activities, and work part-time. This requires them to switch gears multiple times.

Multitasking has become a default strategy to keep up with productivity demands. They are rewarded for doing more in less time, reinforcing multitasking as a norm.

The culture shift

Being busy in today’s world has become a badge of honour. For Millennials, who were brought up during times of economic uncertainty, there’s pressure to maximise every moment. Multitasking is tied to their sense of self-worth.

For Gen Z, raised in the age of hustle culture and the influencer lifestyle, multitasking is seen as part of success. They prove their capability by handling multiple pursuits at once, reinforcing the narrative that productivity equals value.

Cognitive adaptations and shorter attention spans

Studies suggest that the human brain isn’t naturally wired for multitasking. It can reduce efficiency and increase mistakes. However, constant exposure to multitasking has rewired how Millennials and Gen Z process information.

For example, Gen Z is often called a low-attention-span generation, but this can also be seen as a fast-switching attention style. They are skilled at quickly scanning, filtering, and prioritising information.

Millennials have experienced both worlds—pre- and post-digitisation—and are comfortable with context-switching between traditional and online responsibilities. These adaptations, however, do not mean multitasking is stress-free. It still causes fatigue and anxiety.

Entertainment and leisure multitasking

Entertainment itself has become a multitasking experience. Millennials grew up with TV, which slowly shifted to streaming platforms. Gen Z consumes content interactively—watching streams while chatting, gaming while on calls. Even leisure activities are now layered experiences, blending work, study, and play.

Smartphones have been one of the biggest factors making multitasking casual. With technology continuously advancing, everything is becoming available in one device. Phones now function as laptops, streaming platforms, and work PCs, making multitasking an everyday convenience.

Criticisms of constant multitasking

While multitasking might feel natural, it comes with consequences. Research shows that frequent task-switching reduces deep focus and creativity. Overexposure can lead to anxiety and burnout. Studies also reveal that people may feel busier but accomplish tasks less efficiently.

Despite the risks, many Millennials and Gen Z argue that multitasking isn’t optional—it’s part of modern life. The real challenge lies in finding a balance between efficiency and mental well-being.

Is multitasking going to be the new normal?

With artificial intelligence, automation, and hybrid work environments on the rise, multitasking will likely remain part of modern life. To combat burnout, awareness of mindfulness, digital detox, and single-tasking is growing.

In the future, these generations may continue multitasking but redefine it—using technology to handle routine tasks so they can focus on what truly matters. The key for this and upcoming generations is to multitask mindfully, balancing efficiency with well-being.

Ultimately, the casual multitasking habits of Gen Z and Millennials reveal not only their adaptability but also how profoundly the digital age has shaped their behaviour.