A recent international study has ignited widespread debate after suggesting that Generation Z, those born between 1997 and 2010, may be less cognitively capable than earlier generations, marking a historic reversal in human intellectual progression.
The research was led by neuroscientist Jared Cooney Horvath, who disclosed the findings in an interview with the New York Post. According to Horvath, every generation in modern history has performed better intellectually than their parents — until now.
“A sad fact our generation has to face is that our kids are less cognitively capable than we were at their age,” Horvath said. “Every generation has outperformed their parents until Gen Z.”
The study attributes this decline largely to over-reliance on digital technology, particularly smartphones, tablets, and constant screen exposure from an early age. Horvath highlighted several areas of concern, including shorter attention spans, weaker problem-solving skills, and declining performance in reading and mathematics.
He further noted that many young people tend to overestimate their intelligence, a mindset he believes worsens the problem.
“Most of these young people are overconfident about how smart they are. The smarter people think they are, the dumber they actually are,” he stated.
Data from the research reveal that teenagers now spend more than half of their waking hours on screens, often consuming information through short videos, headlines, and bullet-point summaries rather than engaging in deep, sustained learning.
Horvath warned that this pattern runs counter to how the human brain is naturally designed to learn.
“Humans are biologically programmed to learn from other humans and from deep study, not flipping through screens for bullet-point summaries,” he explained.
The findings were drawn from educational and cognitive data across 80 countries, showing a strong correlation between heavy use of digital technology in classrooms and lower academic performance. According to the neuroscientist, educational systems are increasingly adapting to technology rather than using technology as a tool to support learning.
“Rather than determining what we want our children to do and gearing education towards that, we are redefining education to better suit the tool. That is not progress; that is surrender,” Horvath warned.
Looking ahead, Horvath urged governments, educators, and parents to take urgent action, particularly to protect Generation Alpha, the cohort following Gen Z. He called for policies that encourage deep learning, human interaction, reduced screen time, and brain-optimizing educational practices to prevent further cognitive decline.
The study has since sparked mixed reactions online, with critics questioning its conclusions, while others see it as a wake-up call for modern education and parenting in the digital age.
