True that — I can only combine the "speech input channel" in my brain with very low cognitive load tasks like data entry or doing the dishes.

Interestingly, I've noticed that "can you understand the article while doing the dishes" is a very good test of the quality of a piece of writing. Whenever I lose track on the narrative repeatedly (I must stop the computer and restart from the beginning) it's usually a sign that whatever I'm reading is too "fluffy" (convoluted sentence structure, no clear point, roundabout explanations, all-opinions, outrage narrative, etc.).

I feel like I actually get a bump in comprehension if I do a menial task like dishwashing while listening to an audiobook, versus sitting down with my eyes closed. I think the key is to occupy that little bit of your brain that would otherwise spin off on an internal tangent with every new idea you hear.

I have noticed I have the same issue, but I can play Minecraft while listening to something. So I spend a lot of time listening to podcasts while playing Minecraft.

I assume the same would be possible with audiobooks.

I’ve had the same experience, although it depends on the difficulty of the podcast and the difficulty of the task. I feel like I have an inner threshold.

Also, I’m convinced that multitasking obliterates your long term memory, in addition to stunting your short term memory.

There have been many studies on this, people much overestimate their ability to multitask. Of course if you listen to a book being read to you while doing other stuff, retention isn't going to be as high. You also won't be able to reflect as much on what's being read to you as you would if the book had your full attention.

What I'm curious about is if people actually read less or if people who read less tend to congregate on social media, which would make sense.