Secondary task induced engagement and dynamic change of attention - the facilitating effect of secondary stimuli on media task performance

Media multitasking has become increasingly prevalent in recent years, with the proliferation of digital devices and the COVID-19 pandemic further accelerating this trend (Vargo et al., 2021). Recent research has shown that media multitasking is common across all age groups (Matthews et al., 2022) and has been studied from various perspectives, including its impact on cognitive control, academic performance, and socioemotional functioning (Beuckels et al., 2021). While previous research has largely focused on the detrimental effects of media multitasking on cognitive performance (e.g., Jeong & Hwang, 2016; Segijn & Eisend, 2019), this dissertation investigates the potential facilitation effects of introducing a secondary task or stimulus during media use on task engagement, performance, and attention management. Three eye-tracking experiments provide converging evidence for the potential facilitation effects of secondary tasks on task engagement, performance, and attention management, depending on various factors. Study 1 demonstrates that while the presence of video stimuli does not directly enhance task engagement or performance, it serves a resource "corralling" function by reducing attention to task-irrelevant distractions. Study 2 explores the role of perceived task relationships (complementary vs. competitive), finding that competitive relationships can trigger heightened arousal and focus, leading to improved engagement and attention management. Study 3 investigates the optimal timing of secondary task introduction (simultaneous vs. delayed), showing that delaying introduction can help maintain performance by allowing individuals to establish a focused attentional state. The dissertation contributes to a more nuanced understanding of media multitasking and cognitive performance by highlighting the need for a personalized approach that considers contextual, motivational, and individual factors. The findings have practical implications for the design of media environments and task management strategies across various domains, such as education, work, media consumption, and personal life. This research advances media multitasking theory by providing evidence for the potential facilitation effects of secondary tasks, emphasizing the role of subjective perceptions, temporal dynamics, and individual differences in shaping media multitasking outcomes. The dissertation provides suggestions for future research to further explore the complex mechanisms underlying media multitasking and inform the strategies for navigating the challenges and opportunities of media multitasking in an increasingly media-saturated world.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Communications and Media

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2024

Author dc:creator

• Xiong, Shili

Contributors dc:contributor

• Wise, Kevin
• Nelson, Michelle R
• Yao, Mike
• Duff, Brittany R.L

• Media Multitasking
• Attention

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2024 Shili Xiong

Language dc:language

en, eng

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/125629

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F125629