Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath, a neuroscientist and former educator, has highlighted a significant shift in cognitive trends: Generation Z (born roughly 1997 to early 2010s) appears to be the first generation in recorded history to exhibit lower intelligence levels than their parents, reversing the long-standing Flynn Effect. The Flynn Effect described consistent IQ increases across generations since the late 19th century, driven by improved nutrition, education, and environmental factors.

Recent data from global assessments, including large-scale testing in multiple countries, show declines in key areas for Gen Z compared to Millennials and prior cohorts. These include reduced attention spans, weaker memory retention, diminished reading comprehension, lower numeracy and mathematical problem-solving skills, and overall IQ scores. Horvath presented evidence to a U.S. Senate committee indicating these patterns mark a reversal observed across developed nations.

The primary cause, according to Horvath, lies in the widespread integration of educational technology (EdTech)—such as computers, tablets, and digital platforms—in schools, combined with excessive screen time. Adolescents often spend over half their waking hours on screens, consuming short-form content like videos and summaries that bypass deep processing required for complex learning. The human brain, evolved over millennia, is not optimized for absorbing knowledge through fragmented digital formats without active engagement, such as reading full texts or grappling with extended ideas. This approach disrupts traditional mechanisms for building focus, retention, and higher-order reasoning.

While Gen Z demonstrates strengths in digital navigation and adaptability, traditional cognitive metrics reveal measurable setbacks linked to these environmental changes rather than genetic factors.

Key Takeaways

Generation Z scores lower than previous generations in attention, memory, reading, math, problem-solving, and IQ, ending the century-long Flynn Effect rise.

Over-reliance on EdTech and screens in education hinders deep cognitive development, as the brain struggles with short-form digital content.

This trend, observed globally, stems from environmental influences like excessive screen exposure rather than innate ability differences.

Original Source: MSN Article (based on reporting from Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath's statements and related coverage).
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/a-leading-neuroscientist-explains-why-generation-z-is-the-first-generation-to-be-less-intelligent-than-their-parents/ar-AA1VHuoh

I can only imagine the intelligence of the next upcoming generations. However, I'm optimistic. Post-nuclear holocaust, the strongest and most resourceful will survive. And "smart-phone" will be a thing of the past. We'll be back to beating drums and smoke signals. To paraphrase Einstein, "I don't know about World War 3, but I know that World War 4 will be fought with sticks and rocks.

Zombies - circa 2000 "Brains. Brains."
Zombies - circa 2026 "GPU. GPU."

I would blame social media for many of the faults that Gen Z currently has, and I would go so far as to label Gen Z the weakest generation in the history of mankind. And the exception might be the brave Ukrainian soldiers that are currently fighting off the despotic regime of Russia.

Many Gen Z folks just sent don't seem to have the kind of survival skills that were instilled upon us when we were growing up, a good example are the number of deaths that result from selfies in this day and age.

45 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

I would blame social media for many of the faults that Gen Z currently has, and I would go so far as to label Gen Z the weakest generation in the history of mankind. And the exception might be the brave Ukrainian soldiers that are currently fighting off the despotic regime of Russia.

Many Gen Z folks just sent don't seem to have the kind of survival skills that were instilled upon us when we were growing up, a good example are the number of deaths that result from selfies in this day and age.

How more idiotic comment can you come up with, what is special or different about ukranian soldiers VS any soldiers. Zero.

8 minutes ago, BuffaloRider said:

How more idiotic comment can you come up with, what is special or different about ukranian soldiers VS any soldiers. Zero.

True. But if you look around the world today it's probably the most horrific war being engaged with perhaps the most casualties, and that's why I'm using it as an example.

And believe me I am capable of coming up with far more idiotic comments.