Les capacités cognitives de la GenZ déclinent

Recent studies indicate that young people, particularly Generation Z, are experiencing measurable declines in key cognitive abilities compared to previous generations, reversing the long-standing Flynn effect where IQ scores rose steadily by about three points per decade due to better nutrition, education, and health. Analyses of large datasets from the US, Europe, and over 80 countries show Gen Z scoring 2-4 points lower on standardized tests of IQ, verbal reasoning, numerical skills, memory, attention, and problem-solving than Millennials at similar ages. Declines appear most pronounced in fluid intelligence and among 18-22-year-olds, with PISA results and other assessments confirming weaker reading comprehension, sustained focus, and executive function despite more years of schooling. Neuroscientist Jared Cooney Horvath highlighted this shift around 2010, linking it to heavy screen time, digital education tools like tablets replacing deep reading and handwriting, short-form content fragmenting attention, and reduced opportunities for focused, effortful thinking. Other factors include potential changes in youth culture, sleep disruption, and environmental influences, though debates persist on methodology, with some research showing heterogeneity by age or ability level rather than uniform drops. While not all studies agree—certain cohorts display gains in processing speed—the pattern of reversal in traditional cognitive metrics raises concerns about long-term impacts on innovation, workforce readiness, and societal problem-solving capacity. Whether fully irreversible depends on interventions like limiting passive screen use, promoting rigorous analog learning, exercise, and sleep; early evidence suggests plasticity remains, but prolonged habits may entrench deficits if unaddressed. This trend signals a need for balanced technology integration to safeguard developing brains. By Michio Kaku