A recent study conducted by 20 Minutes, citing researchers from fields such as psychology and cognitive science, debunks the myth that Generation Z has a lower intelligence quotient (IQ) than the millennial generation. Although this idea has become popular on social media, its proponents cite declining PISA scores, the impact of artificial intelligence, or time spent in front of screens. However, researchers label these claims as a 'pure fabrication' lacking scientific foundation. Corentin Gonthier, professor of psychology at the University of Nantes, and Franck Ramus, researcher at CNRS, explain that there are no substantial differences in intellectual levels between the latest generations. The idea of a decline in IQ stems from a misinterpretation of studies highlighting a slowdown in the 'Flynn effect'—the phenomenon of rising IQ test scores recorded in the 20th century and up until the 1990s. Currently, this effect has plateaued, not regressed. [1]
The Flynn effect is primarily caused by improvements in health, child nutrition, and the standardization of compulsory education, rather than a heritable decrease in cognitive capacity genetically. Franck Ramus emphasizes that while the continuous rise in scores appears to have stabilized in some developed countries, this is biologically expected, akin to the limit on physical height growth, and does not indicate a new 'stupidity' among younger generations. [1]
The impact of time spent in front of screens is greatly exaggerated. According to Corentin Gonthier, the idea that digital technology destroys intelligence is a fashionable 'moral panic' with minimal cognitive effects. Some digital activities can even be slightly beneficial (such as video games), while others are neutral or slightly negative, but none are determinative for overall cognitive functioning. [1]
Although scores on academic tests such as PISA show declines in certain countries (including France), researchers caution that basic cognitive results have not decreased. The decline in school performance is attributed more to chronic underinvestment in the education system and curriculum changes, such as the introduction of new subjects (computer science, ecological education) which may partially 'dilute' the focus on traditional fundamentals like language and mathematics. [1]
Regarding artificial intelligence, experts consider it too early to assess its long-term impact on the cognitive development of Generation Z. Similar to fears surrounding the internet or social media, the discussion about AI is still in its infancy, and we lack large-scale studies proving major harmful or beneficial effects on intelligence. [1]
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