The Science of Supertaskers: The Rare Individuals Who Can Truly Multitask

We live in a world that glorifies multitasking. From juggling emails while attending meetings to texting while walking, most of us believe we can handle multiple things at once. But the truth is, for the vast majority of people, multitasking is a myth—our brains just aren’t wired for it.

There is, however, a tiny subset of individuals who can perform multiple demanding tasks at the same time without any drop in performance. They are called supertaskers, and they are exceptionally rare.

So, what makes them different? Can we train ourselves to be like them? And what does science say about our ability to truly multitask? Let’s dive in.

What Is a Supertasker?

A supertasker is someone who can perform two or more complex tasks simultaneously without any loss of efficiency, accuracy, or speed.

This is very different from doing something passive—like listening to music while studying or walking while talking. A supertasker can handle multiple intentional, mentally demanding tasks without cognitive overload.

Think about the skills required to drive safely on a busy highway while engaging in a deep conversation that requires critical thinking. Most of us will either slow down, miss key points in the conversation, or make more driving errors. Supertaskers, however, maintain peak performance on both tasks as if they were only doing one.

The big question: How rare are they?

How Common Are Supertaskers?

Research shows that only about 2.5% of the population qualifies as a true supertasker.

In a 2010 study conducted by Jason M. Watson and David L. Strayer at the University of Utah, participants were asked to:

✅ Drive in a high-fidelity simulator while simultaneously completing a challenging memory and math task (the Operation Span Task).

The results?

🚦 97.5% of participants showed decreased performance in either driving or memory tasks (or both).

🚀 But 2.5% maintained high performance across both tasks.

These individuals were dubbed supertaskers—people whose brains handle multiple high-load cognitive tasks without slowing down.

📖 Read the full study here.

What Makes Supertaskers Different?

Since this study, researchers have been fascinated with what makes supertaskers unique. Here’s what the science says:

1. Their Brains Work More Efficiently

A 2014 follow-up study used fMRI brain scans to examine supertaskers' neural activity.

🔬 Unlike most people, supertaskers showed less brain activity in critical areas responsible for decision-making and attention during multitasking scenarios.

Why does this matter?

💡 For regular people: The brain struggles to manage multiple tasks at once, leading to slower processing and more mistakes.

💡 For supertaskers: Their brains don’t overwork—they process tasks more efficiently, needing fewer resources to manage multiple tasks.

2. They Excel at Cognitive Control & Attention

Supertaskers filter out distractions better than the average person. Their brains prioritize essential information while ignoring irrelevant data, allowing them to stay focused on multiple tasks without interference.

3. Their Memory and Processing Speeds Are Exceptional

Supertaskers often score higher on working memory and processing speed tests, meaning they can hold and manipulate more information in real time without cognitive strain.

🧠 Their brains function more like a high-speed computer running multiple processes effortlessly, whereas most of us experience system lag when trying to do too much at once.

Why Most of Us Shouldn’t Multitask

For 97.5% of people, multitasking isn’t just inefficient—it’s harmful.

📉 Studies show that multitasking leads to:

• 40% drop in productivity (Source: American Psychological Association)

• Higher stress levels

• More mistakes and lower accuracy

• Reduced ability to retain information

So, unless you’re in that rare 2.5%, you’re better off focusing on one task at a time.

🛑 If you want to work smarter, consider single-tasking instead:

• Use deep focus sessions (e.g., the Pomodoro technique)

• Minimize distractions (turn off notifications, use noise-canceling headphones)

• Prioritize important tasks one at a time

Can You Train Yourself to Become a Supertasker?

This is where it gets tricky.

Some scientists believe that supertasking is an inherent trait, meaning you’re either born with it or not. However, others suggest that you can improve your ability to multitask through training and cognitive exercises.

Ways to Improve Cognitive Flexibility:

🔹 Mindfulness & Meditation – Helps improve attention control and cognitive endurance.
🔹 Dual-Task Training – Practicing two complex tasks at once under controlled conditions may help strengthen neural pathways.
🔹 Memory & Focus Exercises – Playing brain-training games can improve working memory, which is crucial for multitasking.

While you may not become a true supertasker, you can definitely improve your brain’s ability to switch between tasks more effectively.

Final Thoughts: The Reality of Multitasking

The idea that we can all multitask effectively is a myth.

🚦 97.5% of us perform worse when juggling multiple demanding tasks.
🚀 Only 2.5% of people (supertaskers) can handle true multitasking without performance drops.

For most people, the best strategy is to embrace deep focus and single-tasking for better productivity, accuracy, and mental well-being.

Unless you’re one of the rare few, multitasking will likely slow you down rather than speed you up. So instead of trying to do everything at once, focus on doing one thing exceptionally well.

What are your thoughts? Have you ever met a true supertasker? Let’s discuss in the comments! ⬇️⬇️⬇️

References & Further Reading

1. Watson, J. M., & Strayer, D. L. (2010). Supertaskers: Profiles in extraordinary multitasking ability. Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 17(4), 479-485. Read the study

2. Strayer, D. L., Medeiros-Ward, N., & Watson, J. M. (2013). Supertaskers and the neural basis of efficient multitasking. NeuroImage, 65, 167-173.

3. American Psychological Association. (2021). Multitasking and its impact on performance. Source

4. Harvard Business Review. (2019). Why Multitasking Makes You Less Productive. Source