The Flynn Effect Or Why Are We Getting Smarter
The Flynn effect affirms the fact that our minds are changing. We are smarter and smarter, and our abstract reasoning is also smarter. In contrast, these IQ improvements are not always associated with personal satisfaction or happiness. We undoubtedly solve problems better each time. But we must not forget the emotional aspect.
Many papers were written on this theory after 1994, when the New Zealand University of Otago researcher James R. Flynn made a shocking announcement: the population IQ shows an increase. constant. It is a fact that has been observed since the early 20 th century.
Other scientists and human intelligence experts, such as psychologist Joe Rodgers of the University of Oklahoma, have pointed out another interesting aspect. By examining the intelligence tests that have been applied since the 1930s, we could see that this increase has been felt from year to year. An example of a test could be the Wechsler Scale of Childhood Intelligence (WISC).
We are aware that such a thing commands attention and makes us think. Does this mean that our grandchildren will be gifted compared to us? To draw such conclusions, the theory of the Flynn effect is made up of important nuances. That it is important to have in mind.
The Flynn effect and technological advances
The Flynn Effect claims that today a child will score on average 10 points higher than his parents on an intelligence test. With a rule of 3, it would therefore appear that the future of humanity is in the hands of much more skillful, sophisticated and high potential minds. However, experts in human intelligence are working to clarify certain points.
This increase in intelligence quotient reflected in intelligence tests does not mean that our “raw” brain potential increases in the same way. The improvement in our intellectual performance intensified markedly after the Industrial Revolution. Thus, aspects such as education, improved nutrition or technological advances are stimuli that have allowed our mind to move forward.
In other words, intelligence advances as society develops. We do it to better adapt. We need to feel a certain harmony with the world in which information moves much faster. We want to be part of technological advancement, of every change, of every innovation. Thus, the increase in the speed of response and the ability of children to establish relationships between objects has been observed in current intelligence tests.
The abstract reasoning of children, as well as the speed of their perception are elements that improve year after year. Neurologists say this may all be due to new technologies. Interactive screens, games, and the virtual world are stimuli that require a quick response which pushes our minds to change the way they process information.
Each time we are smarter, but… Are we happier each time?
We should be talking more about personal satisfaction than happiness. Year after year, people use more dexterity to solve problems. To innovate. And making it easier for the world to move forward … Does this mean, however, that we experience better levels of satisfaction and / or personal well-being?
Jean Twenge, professor of Psychology at San Diego State University published an article in the Amercian Psychological Associtacion which should invite us to deep reflection. The new generations, those that some authors call the iGen, are made up of clearly unhappy adolescents. They are described as hyperconnected boys and girls, tolerant, dissatisfied and not ready to mature.
Technological dependence gives rise to a new complex scenario, instantly actualizing itself and generating other more complex dependencies. The way we relate to each other has changed a lot. It is the same with our way of seeing ourselves personally and understanding the world. If the Flynn effect makes us more intellectually skillful every time, we must also learn to survive better in an increasingly technological and sophisticated context.
On the other hand and curiously, it seems interesting to mention the theory of transhumanism. According to the philosopher movement led by David Pearce and Nick Bostrom, two professors at Oxford University, the future of humanity will actually be very defeatist.
Over the next century, humanity will (according to some authors) give an evolutionary leap. We won’t just be smarter. We will be a society oriented exclusively towards hedonism and happiness. For what reason ? Basically because advances in genetic engineering, pharmacology, intracranial stimulation and molecular nanotechnology will eradicate diseases and greatly delay old age.
So, and facing the wait to see if it comes true or us. If we will be a pleasure-oriented humanity. Or on the contrary, melancholy beings living in a technological and aseptic society. Only one thing matters. Let us focus on the present. Let us direct our mind and our intelligence not only towards progress but also towards our personal well-being. Ultimately, a few more IQ points are of no use if we are not able to create a more satisfying reality for all.
Our thoughts Emotional intelligence can be innate, but above all it is a faculty that must be developed throughout life.
