Gen Z Officially Deemed Less Intelligent Than Previous Generation
The newest generation, known as Generation Z, has been officially identified as less intelligent compared to their predecessors. This alarming claim comes from Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath, a prominent neuroscientist, who revealed that Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2010, has underperformed academically compared to Millennials.
Standardized Test Scores Reveal Decline
Dr. Horvath made headlines by stating that Generation Z is the first in modern history to score lower on standardized academic tests than the previous generation. He presented his findings to Congress, indicating a concerning trend in cognitive performance.
Key Findings from Research
- Generation Z has underperformed in multiple cognitive categories: attention, memory, literacy, numeracy, and general IQ.
- Dr. Horvath attributes this decline partly to excessive screen time.
- More than half of a teenager’s waking hours are spent looking at screens, detracting from deep learning experiences.
The Impact of Technology on Learning
Dr. Horvath emphasized that constant exposure to digital devices has hindered real learning. Educational technology, often perceived as a beneficial tool, has instead contributed to superficial understanding among students.
- Many students prefer skimming through online content rather than engaging with full texts.
- This trend has led to a decline in cognitive skills and overall academic performance.
Global Patterns in Educational Decline
It is noteworthy that this decline in performance is not limited to the United States. Data from over 80 countries indicate that the widespread adoption of digital technology in education consistently correlates with reduced academic achievement.
The Call for Educational Reform
Dr. Horvath advocates for a reevaluation of how technology is utilized in education. He suggests that schools should limit screen time and encourage traditional study methods to help future generations improve academically.
His testimony serves as a wake-up call, urging policymakers to consider the long-term impacts of technology on learning for Generation Alpha, the upcoming generation that follows Gen Z.
