The modern world is developing at a rapid pace: artificial intelligence, automation, access to instant information. However, despite technological progress, studies show that the level of intelligence in people is gradually decreasing. Why is this happening and what factors influence it? Let’s figure it out.
Is IQ increasing or decreasing?
During the 20th century, the Flynn effect was observed – the average IQ was steadily increasing. This was explained by the improvement of education, nutrition and living conditions. However, in recent decades, the trend has changed: since the 1990s, the level of intelligence began to decrease in a number of countries.
Evidence of a decrease in IQ
- Norway, Denmark, Finland – studies have shown that after 1975, IQ has fallen by about 0.2-0.3 points per year.
- Germany, France, Great Britain – over the past 20 years, a decrease in intelligence indicators has been observed.
- Australia and the USA – similar trends have been confirmed.
In some countries, the decline in IQ is most pronounced among the younger generation, which may indicate long-term changes in the cognitive abilities of the population. If you’re curious about how your intelligence compares, you can use an iq percentile calculator to assess your cognitive abilities.
Why can technology affect intelligence?
Degradation of critical thinking
Modern technologies provide ready-made solutions, removing the need to analyze information. When finding an answer requires only one click, a person does not need to delve deeply into the problem.
In the past, people remembered phone numbers, dates, and historical events. Today, everything is stored on a smartphone, and memory becomes less trained.
In addition, search algorithms and social media recommendations form an information bubble when the user only sees what confirms his views. This reduces the ability to think critically and analyze alternative points of view.
Decreased attention span
The flow of information is huge, but human attention is scattered: the average concentration period has decreased from 12 seconds in 2000 to 8 seconds in 2020. Social media algorithms create a habit of consuming short content, which worsens the ability to concentrate for a long time. People read long texts less often, preferring clip content.
Automation and cognitive laziness
The less a person uses their brain to solve problems, the weaker their cognitive functions become. Artificial intelligence and automatic systems take over many processes:
Autocorrection in texts reduces literacy. Navigation applications worsen spatial thinking. Calculators reduce the need to calculate in your head. Voice assistants replace the need to search for information, which reduces analytical skills.
What else affects the decline in intelligence?
Ecology and nutrition
Heavy metals and air pollution negatively affect cognitive functions. A deficiency of Omega-3 and B vitamins leads to deterioration of brain function. Excess sugar and ultra-processed foods are associated with a decrease in IQ in children.
Research shows that poor water quality and high pesticide levels can reduce intelligence in children.
Declining reading levels
In the 1970s, teenagers read an average of 2-3 books a month. Today, this figure has decreased several times.
Reading books develops analytical thinking, unlike short articles or video content. More and more people prefer audiobooks and podcasts, which do not require active perception of the text.
- Lowering educational requirements in a number of countries.
- “Clip thinking” due to the popularity of TikTok, YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels.
- Superficial perception of information instead of deep analysis.
- Changing educational standards: in some countries, curricula are being simplified, which reduces the overall level of knowledge of new generations.
The future of intelligence: adaptation or degradation?
A decrease in IQ is an alarming signal, but not a death sentence. Modern technologies can both suppress thinking and develop it if used consciously. A person needs to find a balance between the convenience of the digital age and the need to maintain active brain function.
Some scientists believe that in the future, intelligence will develop unevenly: some groups of people will continue to degrade, while others will consciously increase their cognitive abilities. This can lead to even greater social inequality.
Wrap up
Technological progress does not always lead to intellectual growth. On the contrary, automation, excess information, and dependence on gadgets contribute to cognitive degradation. However, a conscious approach to education, training the intellect, and rejecting information noise can help maintain and even improve mental abilities in the 21st century. The development of intelligence remains in the hands of the person himself – it is important not to rely only on technology, but to use it for your own growth and self-improvement.
