Final answer:
The statement that young people can multitask without a decline in listening competence is true. The ability to multitask effectively without loss of performance, particular in listening, is a myth. This is supported by research indicating that excessive media multitasking can lead to poorer cognitive control and reduced ability to focus.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'Even though most young people today have grown up surrounded by environmental distractions, it is a myth that this makes them able to multitask without a decline in their listening competence' is true. The capacity to multi-task efficiently without a compromise in competencies such as listening is a common misconception.
Multitasking often results in a decrease in overall task performance, including the ability to listen and understand effectively. Research suggests that heavy media multitasking could result in poorer cognitive control and diminished performance in tasks that require sustained attention.
For instance, watching too much television has been associated with poor exam performance, suggesting that the divided attention does not enhance the processing of information necessary for successful completion of academic tasks.
Additionally, a balance is necessary because while technology like cell phones can increase productivity, they can also make it difficult to disconnect from work and may impair the capacity to give undivided attention or focus solely on a single task without being distracted as noted by Smith in 2012.
It is also important to recognize that listening habits are not solely influenced by media multitasking but are part of a broader set of social behaviors and influences, including those from parents and friends. Nonetheless, the idea that young people are exceptional multitaskers who can maintain high levels of competency across tasks, such as listening, despite distractions is not supported by empirical evidence.