Distortions in time perceptions during task switching. (March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Xu, Shan; David, Prabu
• Is Part Of: Computers in human behavior. Volume 80(2018)
• Page Start: 362
• Page End: 369
• Publication Date: 2018-03
• Subjects: Task switching -- Media multitasking -- Entertainment -- Time passage -- Time duration -- Media measure; Interactive computer systems -- Periodicals; Man-machine systems -- Periodicals; 004.019
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2017.11.032
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0747-5632

Abstract

Abstract: Perceived time passage and time duration were examined in a between-subjects design with four conditions: watching a sitcom, reading a journal article, occasional switching between sitcom and article, frequent switching between sitcom and article. Consistent with our prediction, time "flew by" in the high-entertainment condition that involved watching a sitcom, whereas time "dragged on" in the low-entertainment condition that involved reading a journal article. Switching between the two led to quicker passage of time than the low-entertainment condition, but not the high-entertainment condition. A different pattern was evident for duration estimation, with no difference between the low- and high-entertainment conditions, but a longer estimation of duration in the switching condition. Further, frequency of switching between the sitcom and article did not make a difference. These findings suggest that switching between tasks leads to overestimations of time spent on media. Highlights: Both task structure and task content influenced time perceptions. Time passed quickly when doing a more entertaining task. Time passed quickly when switching between more and less entertaining tasks. Compared to doing either task alone, switching led to overestimation of time duration.