#259 Are Children Getting Dumber?

The Niall Boylan Podcast (They Told Me To Shut Up)

In this episode, Niall is asking: Are Children Getting Dumber? Recent research suggests a concerning trend: IQ scores are dropping among younger generations, reversing the previous pattern of rising intelligence known as the “Flynn Effect.” The study found that people born in 1991 scored about five points lower on IQ tests than those born in 1975, and those born in 1975 scored lower than those born in 1962. This decline is attributed to less traditional teaching methods and the overuse of technology, leading to academic laziness and reduced retention of information.

Experts argue that the modern reliance on technology has made children academically lazy, as they no longer need to retain information when they can easily look it up online. Factors contributing to this trend include busy parents, ineffective teaching methods, overuse of technology, and large class sizes. Concerns are also rising about Generation Alpha, described as "feral, illiterate, screen-obsessed iPad kids," who are reportedly struggling with literacy and an excessive dependence on screens.

Niall engages with callers to explore whether children today are truly becoming less intelligent.

Some callers believe children are not getting dumber. They argue that the issue isn't intelligence but the outdated methods used to measure it. Traditional IQ tests fail to account for the new skills children are developing, particularly in technology and problem-solving. For instance, one caller mentions their child excels in school and is very adept with technology. The problem lies in how intelligence is assessed, not in the children's capabilities.

Other callers feel children are getting dumber due to their reliance on technology. They argue that kids rely too much on their devices for answers and don't retain information as previous generations did. Parents and schools need to enforce more traditional learning methods to combat this trend. The drop in intelligence is evident, and the education system has become too lenient, leading to a lack of critical thinking skills in children.

Niall wraps up the discussion by considering the various perspectives and the implications for the future of education and child development.