Introduced in the 1960s, multitasking is an engineering strategy

When Ellen Ullman said, “Introduced in the 1960s, multitasking is an engineering strategy for making computers more efficient. Human beings are the slowest elements in a system,” she drew a profound connection between the rapid rise of technology and the inherent limitations of human capacity. Ullman, a keen observer of the digital world, is not merely commenting on a technical advancement in computing; she is highlighting a deeper truth about humanity’s relationship with technology. Multitasking, an innovation designed to make computers work more efficiently, highlights the growing divide between human capabilities and the machines we create. Computers, she suggests, are not simply tools but systems that reflect an increasing reliance on speed and efficiency—qualities that, for better or worse, place humans at a distinct disadvantage.

In ancient mythology, Prometheus defied the gods by giving fire to humanity, an act that brought light and progress, but also immense suffering. The gift of fire allowed humanity to create, to advance, but it also exposed the human condition — frail and limited compared to the power of the gods. In a similar vein, computers serve as a metaphorical "fire" — offering humans the power of immense processing speed and efficiency, but also revealing our limitations. Like Prometheus’ gift, computers were given to us to advance our civilization, but they also serve as a reminder that our capacity to match them in efficiency is inherently constrained by our biology. While machines can perform thousands of tasks in an instant, humans are the slowest link in the chain.

The origin of multitasking in computers lies in the 1960s, when engineers began to realize that machines could be made more efficient by running multiple processes simultaneously. Before that, computers were often limited to completing one task at a time. But with the advent of multitasking, computers could handle many processes at once, vastly improving efficiency. In this, human beings became increasingly sidelined — no longer the primary controllers of processes and systems, but rather slow elements within a system defined by speed. Computers, with their ability to perform vast calculations and execute multiple tasks in parallel, quickly outpaced humans in processing power.

This development mirrors the industrial revolution, which, centuries ago, introduced machines that could outwork humans in nearly every task. The steam engine, the loom, and the assembly line replaced human hands and limited human effort, shifting the nature of work and society. And yet, like the rise of the machine in the industrial age, multitasking in computers pushes the divide further. It becomes not just a tool of convenience, but a symbol of progress — one that makes human limitations more apparent. Our minds, unable to process multiple streams of data simultaneously with the same efficiency as a computer, have become the slowest part of the system.

But the lesson in Ullman’s words is not one of defeat but of reflection. We, as humans, must recognize the gifts technology offers us, while also understanding the boundaries of our humanity. The rise of multitasking in computers shows us that there is an art to balance — that technology, while offering efficiency, should never eclipse the human experience. We are not just cogs in a machine, and our value lies not in how quickly we can perform tasks, but in the deeper thinking and creativity that machines cannot replicate. The question that arises is how we, as a society, can use technology to enhance human flourishing, not simply to replace it with faster, more efficient systems.

Real-life examples abound where over-reliance on technology has led to diminished human capacity. The introduction of social media, for instance, has made the world more connected than ever, but it has also led to shorter attention spans, reduced face-to-face communication, and an increased sense of loneliness. While the internet has created vast opportunities, it has also highlighted how easily we can become overwhelmed by the constant bombardment of information, much of which we cannot process with the same efficiency as a computer. The very speed of modern life — made possible by multitasking systems — has forced humans to adapt in ways that may compromise their mental and emotional well-being.

The lesson in Ullman’s quote is thus both a cautionary tale and a call to action: While computers may be more efficient than humans, we must not allow this to define our human experience. Instead of blindly trying to match machines in speed, we must focus on cultivating the qualities that make us truly human: creativity, emotional intelligence, reflection, and wisdom. These are the areas where technology cannot surpass us, and they are the qualities that will define the future.

Practical actions for embracing the balance between technology and humanity:

1. Embrace technology as a tool, not a replacement: Use machines to enhance human experience, but do not allow them to dictate how you live or think.

2. Prioritize mental well-being: Set boundaries to avoid becoming overwhelmed by the constant influx of information, recognizing that multitasking may not always be productive.

3. Focus on human-centered qualities: Invest in creativity, empathy, and deep thinking—qualities that machines cannot replicate.

4. Reflect on your relationship with technology: Regularly assess how technology is affecting your life and strive for balance in your personal and professional interactions with machines.

For as Richard P. Feynman once said, “What I cannot create, I do not understand.” Our role in the modern world is not simply to accept the dominance of efficiency and speed, but to understand and harness technology in a way that preserves the deepest aspects of our humanity. Multitasking may allow us to do more, but it is the quality of our experiences and relationships, the depth of our thinking, that truly defines us. In the end, it is not the machine’s speed that matters, but how we choose to live and reflect, slowly and thoughtfully, in a world that is often driven by the pace of progress.