Is Human Intelligence Declining Over Time?

The question of whether human intelligence is declining has sparked immense debate and research. Particularly, concerns about declining cognitive abilities among younger generations, like Millennials and Gen Z, raise intriguing questions.

Millennials and Gen Z in the US

Recent studies in the United States suggest that younger generations might have hit a plateau when it comes to IQ scores, possibly due to the widespread use of screened and mobile multimedia devices.

While these generations show improvements in visual processing and multi-tasking skills, there have been statistically significant decreases in their ability to perform deep comprehension and maintain prolonged attention on tasks without visual stimuli.

Early Research on Generation Alpha

Early research into Generation Alpha, the children currently born or starting school (ages 0-11), indicates that constant access to digital media is further altering cognitive development, particularly in areas like attention control and problem-solving flexibility.

It’s important to note that studies typically encompass an entire life span to provide definitive data. Given that Generation Alpha has a maximum age around 11 years, we still have between 7 and 9 years of data to gather, sort, and analyze before drawing any conclusive trends.

The Reality of IQ Trends

Despite the concerns expressed, there is evidence to suggest that measured IQ scores are, in fact, on the rise globally. This upward trend can be attributed to better education and the improved skills of the population, which are more likely to be assessed in modern IQ tests.

The Flynn effect posits that IQ scores have been steadily increasing over time, a phenomenon that can be explained by better education and exposure to thought-stimulating activities. However, it's also possible that people who are intellectually capable but struggle to communicate their ideas effectively might have scored lower in the past.

Exploring the Decline in Intelligence Thesis

Some argue that real intelligence, psychometric g, has been slowly declining over time due to the proliferation of lower-skill jobs that require less intellectual ability.

For comprehensive insights into the measurements that confirm this trend and its causes, one can refer to the following resources:

Measurements and Confirmations IQ Score Trends and Education Longitudinal Studies on Intelligence

The discourse on human intelligence is complex, and while concerns about declining cognitive abilities among younger generations are valid, there is a growing body of research suggesting that intelligence levels are, in many ways, on the rise. As technology continues to evolve, it is crucial to stay informed and critically analyze these trends.