For many generations researchers and scientists noticed a dramatic increase in intelligence and cognitive performance throughout the 19th, 20th, and 21st century. This phenomenon became known as the Flynn Effect. The Flynn Effect was named after researcher James Flynn, who observed an increase in IQ scores and proposed a theory stating there would be an increase in IQ by about 3 points every decade. He also found that there had been an increase by that amount throughout the 20th century. The rise had been said to have happened due to the improved education, healthcare, and access to information in the 20th century.
However, recent studies in Europe, U.S., and other countries have shown a slowing down or even a full on decline in intelligence and cognitive performance. Researchers have reported declines in many different measures of cognitive performance, such as attention-span decreases, memory decreases, and even decreases in problem solving ability. While intelligence is very complex and can’t exactly be pinpointed down to a value such as IQ, these findings have sparked many ongoing debates on how modern generations compare cognitively to other earlier generations.
One of the most commonly discussed factors in cognitive performance seen in newer generations is digital technology. While other generations haven’t grown up in a world absolutely dominated by smartphones, computers, television, and other forms of digital media that give instant access to information Gen Z has. There are many platforms such as Tiktok, Instagram Reels, and Youtube shorts that provide users with short form media which heavily encourages shorter attention habits when used excessively. While it offers quick information and entertainment as well as in some cases educational content, critics argue that the short-form media causes attention span decreases and huge wastes of time. This concern has been linked to concepts such as “doomscrolling” which cause users to stray from things such as reading books, articles, and newspapers to instead scroll through short-form content for many hours.
The growing popularity of a form of media called “brain rot” has also begun to further raise concern on this issue. The term “brain rot” refers to the highly repetitive, fast-paced, nonsensical videos that prioritize quick entertainment over meaningful media. Although it isn’t an official psychological disorder or thing being diagnosed, the term has been widely used online to describe content that some people believe might encourage excessive screen time and passive media consumption. Some educators and psychologists worry that the rise of this form of media has made it more difficult for young people to concentrate on complex tasks that require sustained focus such as reading and other healthy habits that require sustained focus.
At the same time, many researchers are cautious about blaming this issue on technology alone. Intelligence and cognitive ability are influenced by many factors that could be the cause such as education quality, mental health, sleep schedules, and social environments. Technology can also provide many different cognitive benefits. Additionally, technology can provide significant benefits when used properly. Students today have access to online courses, digital libraries, educational videos, and information that previous generations could only access through books or other physical institutions. These tools can support independent learning and help students understand subjects much easier outside of the classroom, so even if you miss days or don’t learn the content in class you can online. As a result, the impact of technology is often perceived as both beneficial and potentially detrimental, depending on how it’s used.
The debate over the decline of cognitive performance highlights a larger issue: how society adapts to an increasingly digital world. Rather than viewing technology as an entirely harmful thing or an entirely beneficial thing, researchers are saying the balance is what really leads to the perfect way to use this. Developing healthy screen habits using things such as screen time, reading regularly (any sort of reading including articles), engaging in critical thinking (easily doable in playing games such as chess and others), and limiting distractions may help individuals maintain their cognitive abilities and enhance them while still benefiting from modern technology.
Whether Gen Z is experiencing a shift in attention span, learning pace, and cognitive ability is an ongoing topic that is still being researched. But what is clear, however, is that the way young people are consuming information and using technology has drastically changed and the ability to know how to use technology is what determines whether you are being positively or negatively affected. As technology changes and evolves, understanding its effects on attention, learning, and intelligence will become, and is already extremely important for students, educators, and society as a whole.
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