Recent studies indicate a troubling trend: average IQ scores are declining in several developed countries, suggesting that cognitive abilities may be diminishing over time. This phenomenon, often referred to as the Reverse Flynn Effect, contrasts sharply with the previous century’s trend of rising intelligence levels.
Evidence of Declining IQ Scores
1. Longitudinal Studies
A comprehensive analysis of IQ tests conducted in Norway revealed a significant decline in average scores among men drafted for military service from 1970 to 2009. The findings indicated that each successive generation of Norwegian men was scoring approximately seven IQ points lower than their predecessors. Similar declines have been noted in Denmark and other European nations, with studies showing drops in IQ scores among 11-12 year-olds by as much as 12 points over a span of nearly three decades.
2. Cognitive Domains Affected
Research from Northwestern University and the University of Oregon documented declines in cognitive abilities across various domains, including logic, vocabulary, and problem-solving skills. Between 2006 and 2018, these scores dropped by up to two points across multiple age groups and educational backgrounds, with the most pronounced declines observed among younger individuals.
3. Global Trends
A study projecting global IQ trends suggested a decrease from an average “notional IQ” of 90.31 in 2000 to an estimated 86.67 by 2050, indicating a broader decline in cognitive abilities across generations worldwide. This decline is particularly concerning given that it is not confined to isolated populations but appears to be a widespread issue affecting numerous developed countries.
Possible Causes
The decline in IQ scores has sparked considerable debate regarding its underlying causes. Researchers argue that environmental factors rather than genetic changes are primarily responsible for this trend:
- Educational Shifts: Changes in educational practices may play a role. Many contemporary educational systems emphasize fluid intelligence—problem-solving and adaptability—over crystallized intelligence, which encompasses knowledge accumulated through learning and experience. This shift could lead to lower performance on traditional IQ tests that measure crystallized intelligence more heavily.
- Technology and Lifestyle: The pervasive use of technology and shifts in lifestyle are also cited as contributing factors. Studies suggest that constant access to smartphones and digital media can impair cognitive functions by reducing the brain’s ability to retain information when devices are nearby. Additionally, increased screen time may correlate with decreased reading habits and intellectual engagement.
- Nutritional Factors: There are suggestions that modern diets, which may lack essential nutrients for optimal brain function, could be negatively impacting cognitive development.
- Cultural Changes: The quality of media consumed has also been implicated; the rise of lower-quality entertainment may contribute to diminished cognitive engagement compared to previous generations.
Conclusion
The evidence suggests a concerning trend: average IQ scores are declining in many developed nations, marking a reversal of the long-held belief that human intelligence was steadily increasing. While the exact causes remain unclear, it is widely accepted that environmental factors—including changes in education, technology use, nutrition, and cultural engagement—are significant contributors to this decline. As societies continue to evolve, understanding and addressing these factors will be crucial for reversing this trend and fostering cognitive development in future generations.
Read More
[1] https://thehill.com/policy/technology/3922608-american-iqs-rose-30-points-in-the-last-century-now-they-may-be-falling/
[2] https://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/we-are-all-getting-dumber-new-science-proves-no-one-is-sure-why.html
[3] http://www.iapsych.com/iqmr/fe/LinkedDocuments/lynn2008.pdf
[4] https://www.usnews.com/news/national-news/articles/2018-06-14/study-people-are-getting-dumber
[5] https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/iq-rates-are-dropping-many-developed-countries-doesn-t-bode-ncna1008576
[6] https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/inside-the-mind/human-brain/research-confirms-it-really-are-getting-dumber.htm
[7] https://ia.acs.org.au/article/2024/is-ai-making-us-dumber-.html