Are we getting dumber?

23/03/2023

You may have already heard that the population’s intelligence quotient is decreasing... So, true or false?

The intelligence quotient (IQ) is a standardized quantitative measure of human intelligence, developed in 1905, and based on a psychometric test. The average IQ of the general French population is around 97 and 98. An individual with an IQ above 135 is considered as "high potential", while an individual with an IQ below 60 is considered to have deficiencies.

The IQ of the general population has been increasing throughout the 20th century, a phenomenon known as the Flynn effect. However, it appears that this measure is declining lately. One explanation could be a less favorable and overdigitized cultural environment for younger generations, although this hypothesis is still unclear. In summary, yes, it seems that IQ is declining, but no specific cause has been identified yet. We only know that the reason is probably environmental.

However, let's remember that IQ measurement is questionable because it is a measure relative to an average, which depends on a reference population, and only evaluates logical and conceptual intelligences. Indeed, there are other intelligences that are not evaluated, such as interpersonal, musical, spatial, bodily intelligence, etc. However, they are taken into account in other tests, such as the Multiple Intelligences Test.