No one really multitasks. You just spend less time on any one thing.

All of that data flying at you by e-mail, instant message, cell phone, voice mail and BlackBerry–it could actually be making you dumber.

Dr. Edward Hallowell, a psychiatrist who’s studied attention deficit disorder for more than a decade, has identified a related disorder he calls attention deficit trait, and he says it’s reaching epidemic proportions in the corporate world. Unlike attention deficit disorder, or ADD, people aren’t born with ADT. It’s the result, he contends, of the modern workplace, where the constant and relentless chatter coming from our computers, phones and other high-tech devices is diluting our mental powers.

Technology is a great blessing. It is behind much of our progress. But if we’re not careful with it, it can start running us ragged.

Everybody’s running around, looking at their Bloomberg, looking at the latest quotes, answering everything. They’re pouncing on every bit of stimulation as if it’s going to make a big difference. And they have no strategy, or their strategy changes every day.

They’re all running around, working their tails off. But they’re really at the whim of the market. They think they’re working hard, and they think they’re being productive, but they’re not. They’re busy, but they’re not thoughtful.

What you pay attention to and for how long really makes a difference. If you’re just paying attention to trivial e-mails for the majority of your time, you’re wasting time and mental energy. It’s the great seduction of the information age. You can create the illusion of doing work and of being productive and creative when you’re not. You’re just treading water.

Why can’t you pay attention anymore? | Newsmakers | CNET News.com