17/02/2026
Peligrosooo
Global data reveals Gen Z is the first generation to underperform their parents in attention, memory, and literacy skills.
For decades, global intelligence scores followed an upward trajectory known as the Flynn Effect. However, new neuroscientific research suggests this trend has sharply reversed. According to data from over 80 countries presented by Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath, Generation Z is the first demographic to score lower on key cognitive measures—including IQ, memory, and numeracy—than the Millennials who preceded them. This downturn, which became noticeable around 2010, marks a significant shift in human cognitive development, raising concerns about the long-term impact of modern digital environments on brain function.
Researchers point toward the ubiquitous presence of digital technology as a primary driver for these changes. As screen time increases, it often replaces the deep, interactive learning experiences necessary for building complex neural pathways. Critics emphasize that the shift away from critical thinking toward passive consumption may be fundamentally altering how the younger generation processes information. To combat this decline, experts are urging a return to balanced digital habits and richer, more immersive learning environments that challenge the mind beyond the digital interface.
source: Horvath, J. C. (2024). Digital saturation and the reversal of the Flynn Effect in Generation Z. University of Melbourne Research Reports.