Deep Questions with Cal Newport Ep. 369: Why Are We Getting Dumber? A Debate.
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Sep 8, 2025 The podcast delves into the concerning trend of declining IQ scores and the cultural shift away from reading. It examines the distractions of smartphones and social media on attention spans and cognitive abilities. Strategies for reclaiming focus in a digital age are discussed, along with insights on managing productivity while navigating chaotic work environments. The debate surrounding technology's impact on youth mental health is highlighted, alongside humorous anecdotes and practical advice for personal and professional growth.
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IQ Gains Have Recently Reversed
- Multiple studies show the Flynn effect reversed around the 2010s, with measured IQs declining since then.
- The decline appears across education levels and sexes, with 3D rotation as a rare exception.
Less Reading Changes How We Reason
- The 'post-literacy' hypothesis links reduced reading to weaker analytical thinking and lower IQ test performance.
- Historical critics (Postman, Ong) argued that media forms reshape public reasoning and epistemology.
Smartphones Add An Attention Layer
- Smartphones add an attention problem distinct from reduced reading: they erode sustained concentration via hyperpalatable content.
- Combining reduced reading (capability) with reduced attention (use) magnifies IQ declines.
