The past, present and future of intelligence/IQ

It is reported that the average IQ of the world’s population is declining.

IQ testing has been in use for more than a century. Since then, until fairly recently, IQ scores in general have shown a steady increase.

As www.bbc.com reports, ‘Even the average person today would have been considered a genius compared to someone born in 1919 – a phenomenon known as the Flynn effect’.

An explanation for the Flynn effect is that ‘more access to education and better nutrition than prior generations led to an increase in average IQ in the 20th century’, as reported by www.forbes.com

The current decline of average IQ, observed in developed countries, is sometimes called
the flip of the Flynn effect.

There are many causes for the decline in average IQ, but one cause that stands out is the impoverishment of language.

A general lack of focus also contributes to this unfortunate phenomenon. The ability of people, especially younger people, to stick to a task, to suppress impulses and to remain focused has also been impacted negatively.

Too much technological stimulation has a wide-ranging effect as well.

Back to the issue of language and what guidance you as a parent can offer your children to counter ‘impoverishment of (their) language’.


Expand and improve vocabulary

An improved vocabulary increases reading comprehension and leads to better communication and deeper thinking and analysis.

In order to express emotion you need a vocabulary that is wide enough.

Various studies have shown that an inability to express emotions often leads to violence, both at home and in public spheres. 


The importance of the present, the past and the future

The importance of tenses can be explained as follows: Each tense indicates the connection between two or more time periods, or the exact time an activity occurred.

Using the correct tense creates different meanings from and allows you to express different things with the same verbs.

Think of it this way: How can you describe a storm brewing… the build-up from the wind blowing, to the breakout of thunder and lightning, and a downpour of rain… without using TENSES!?

Many slovenly speakers tend to lapse into using the present tense, regardless of context.


Don’t dumb down spelling

Spelling errors can change the meaning of your message.

Correct spelling indicates literacy.

Spelling quality has a direct impact on employment opportunities.


Encourage reading

Reading is the most important fundamental skill anyone needs to succeed in life. Almost everything that is done in the workplace involves some reading.

Reading expands your vocabulary (see Tip 1) and helps you to develop intellectually. Reading opens new worlds and builds self-confidence.

In a nutshell, the more you read, the more you know.


Further reading about average IQs declining

Has humanity reached ‘peak intelligence’?
Technology Is On The Rise, While IQ Is On The Decline