What is multi channel multitasking?

Multi-channel multitasking refers to the ability to perform tasks that use different sensory channels or involve different types of activities simultaneously, without interference. For instance, you can listen to a podcast while exercising, where the auditory activity (listening) does not conflict with the physical activity (exercising). This concept is distinct from attempting to perform similar tasks simultaneously, like trying to listen to two podcasts at once, which is generally ineffective due to sensory interference.

Nir Eyal discusses this in the context of "Temptation Bundling," a technique researched by Katie Milkman. It involves using a reward from one activity to motivate engagement in another, less desirable activity. For example, saving articles to read only while exercising can make the exercise more appealing because it's paired with the enjoyable activity of reading through an audio playback of the articles 1.