Recent discussions, fueled by expert testimony and international studies, suggest that Generation Z (born 1997-2012) may be the first cohort in modern history to exhibit lower scores on various intelligence and cognitive measures compared to Millennials (born 1981-1996) and earlier generations. This potential reversal of the long-standing Flynn effect—where IQ scores rose steadily across generations—has sparked debate among neuroscientists, educators, and policymakers. Key evidence points to declines in attention, memory, literacy, numeracy, problem-solving, and overall IQ, often attributed to excessive screen time and educational technology (EdTech). However, critics argue that the claims are overstated, with some studies showing minimal or no differences, and factors like the COVID-19 pandemic, socioeconomic changes, and measurement biases playing roles. This report examines the evidence, counterarguments, and implications.

The Flynn Effect and Its Reversal

For much of the 20th century, average IQ scores increased by about three points per decade in many developed countries, a phenomenon known as the Flynn effect. This trend was linked to better nutrition, education, and environmental factors. However, since the mid-1990s to early 2000s, evidence of a “reverse Flynn effect” has emerged in some nations, with IQ scores plateauing or declining. Meta-analyses indicate declines of 2-4 points per generation in countries like the US, Norway, Denmark, the UK, and France, particularly in verbal reasoning, though spatial reasoning has sometimes improved. Gen Z appears at the forefront of this shift. Neuroscientist Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath, in his January 15, 2026, testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, stated that Gen Z is the first generation to underperform previous ones across nearly every cognitive measure, despite more schooling. He cited data from 80 countries showing that students using devices 5+ hours daily score over two-thirds of a standard deviation lower than those with minimal tech use. International assessments like PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) and NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) reveal stagnation or drops in literacy, numeracy, and reasoning since the mid-2000s, aligning with Gen Z’s educational years. Supporting studies include a 2023 analysis of U.S. IQ trends showing declines in verbal and numerical skills among young adults. Global reports, such as those from the OECD, note similar patterns, with Gen Z showing weaker problem-solving and attention spans.

Attributed Causes: Screens and EdTech

Horvath and others blame the widespread adoption of screens in education around 2010. Teens now spend 5-8 hours daily on screens, promoting fragmented attention, skimming over deep reading, and multitasking that hinders retention. Horvath argues that digital tools mismatch human cognition, as brains learn best through sustained focus and physical interaction, not rapid switching. Additional factors include reduced book reading, sleep disruption from devices, and algorithm-driven content that limits critical thinking. On X (formerly Twitter), users echo these concerns, with posts linking lower IQ to “doomscrolling” and tech addiction. One viral post from @VigilantFox amassed over 1.4 million views, highlighting screens as the culprit.

Counterarguments and Criticisms

Not all evidence supports a blanket decline. A 2022 study in North Macedonia found Gen Z slightly outperforming Millennials on cognitive tests (101.03 vs. 99.24), with gains in inductive reasoning but lags in verbal areas. Meta-analyses show the Flynn effect continuing in some regions, albeit slower, and declines may be domain-specific or due to test obsolescence. Critics dismiss sensational claims from outlets like the Daily Mail as unreliable. Some argue Gen Z excels in digital literacy and adaptability, offsetting traditional metric dips. Broader factors include the COVID-19 disruptions, economic inequality, and mental health issues. On X, skepticism abounds, with users questioning anti-Gen Z agendas or emphasizing misinformation. A Reddit thread in r/generationology called out poor sourcing.

Implications and Recommendations

If substantiated, this trend could impact workforce productivity, innovation, and civic engagement. Horvath urges limiting classroom screens and demanding EdTech efficacy evidence. Denmark’s screen reductions offer a model. Experts stress reversibility through interventions like promoting reading and reducing device time. The debate underscores the need for longitudinal studies balancing tech benefits with risks. While media hype amplifies concerns, evidence from diverse sources suggests a real, if nuanced, generational shift warranting attention.

References

1. Digg – Neuroscientist study reveals that Gen Z has become the first generation to be less intelligent than its predecessor, the Millennials
2. India Today – Millennials vs Gen Z: Who really has the higher IQ?
3. Repository of UKIM – Differences in cognitive ability assessment results between Millennial and Generation Z cohorts
4. Reddit – Neuroscientist study reveals that Gen Z has become the first generation to be less intelligent than its predecessor, the Millennials
5. Facebook – BREAKING: A neuroscientist-led study suggests Gen Z may be the first generation to score lower on certain intelligence measures than Millennials
6. Mind Matters – Is the Reverse Flynn Effect — Declining Intelligence — Real?
7. News18 – Gen Z vs Millennials: Research Reveals Which Generation Is More Intelligent
8. X – spatial reasoning scores went up. Three of four cognitive domains declined. One improved.
9. Moneycontrol – Gen Z became first generation to be less intelligent than millennials as IQ dropped, expert
10. PMC – The Flynn effect for fluid IQ may not generalize to all ages or ability levels
11. Instagram – Gen Z IQ scores dipping compared to Millennials New research suggests screen-heavy…
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13. WION – Gen Z is officially less intelligent than millennials, first recorded intergenerational IQ drop
14. Instagram – The Great Cognitive Crash: Why Gen Z is the First Generation in History to Score Lower…
15. LinkedIn – Ram Krishnan’s Post
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17. The Times of India – Gen Z less intelligent than millennials: How skipping books and doomscrolling are taking a toll…
18. Reddit – Expert reveals Gen Z is the first generation in history to have a lower IQ than its predecessors
19. India Today – Millennials vs Gen Z: Who really has the higher IQ?
20. Instagram – Experts say Gen Z is the first generation to show lower intelligence levels…
21. Geo News – Gen-Z is less intelligent than previous generations, neuroscientist claims
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23. Quora – How does the average IQ of millennials and Gen Z individuals compare…
24. Mind Matters – Is the Reverse Flynn Effect — Declining Intelligence — Real?
25. Upworthy – Gen Z is the first generation less cognitively capable than their parents but Denmark has a solution
26. Daily Mail – Neuroscientist reveals first generation in history to be less intelligent than their parents
27. Instagram – Gen Z is of lower IQ than Previous Generation ? US Govt is alarmed…
28. U.S. Senate – Written Testimony Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath…
29. C-SPAN – Lawmakers Hold Hearing on the Impact of Screen Time on Kids
30. Daily Mail – Neuroscientist reveals first generation in history to be less intelligent than their parents
31. Medium – Are Screens Hindering Gen Z’s Cognitive Abilities Compared to Their Parents?
32. URL-Media – Kids’ Cognitive Development: Every Reason Your Child Should…
33. [post:44] X – Umar Cheema (@UmarCheema1)
34. [post:47] X – Vigilant Fox (@VigilantFox)
35. [post:49] X – Aaj Niti (@pc_kalal_bwm)
36. [post:50] X – Sujeet Sharma (@SujeetXOfficial)
37. [post:51] X – leopastel.eth (@pastelETH)
38. [post:52] X – Uché Perkins (@JustAFamilyMan_)