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I just discovered something about myself…

Posted 19 August, 2007 at 9:45pm by Michael Chu
(Filed under: Life)

I just realized that although I can watch television (more or less) while writing, I can't do it while reading. If I start reading, I completely tune out the TV and have to go back (that goodness for DVRs), but I can follow a plot and everything if I'm just writing. Weird, huh?

3 comments to I just discovered something about myself…

Bridget, August 20th, 2007 at 6:41 am:

  • I'm the same way. Can't think of any reason why this might be.

Michael Chu, August 20th, 2007 at 9:21 am:

  • Maybe it has to do with being a visually dominant person or an auditory dominant person. I'm much more visual than I am auditory, so maybe I can write (while not looking constantly at the computer screen) and still pay attention to the TV, but when I'm reading I have to keep looking at the monitor, so I can't time share my attention?

    Somehow that doesn't ring true. I just noticed that when I read, I more or less hear the words in my head. That's different than when I'm writing which is more like talking. If the listening part of my brain is working (when I'm reading) then it can't very well listen to the TV (or anything else for that matter) effectively, right? If I'm writing or even talking, I can still listen and process that. That's sounds a little better (in terms of a psuedo-explanation).

David, August 30th, 2007 at 3:51 pm:

  • Talking and reading don't work too good either.

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