Story perspectives

Senate Hears: Gen Z's Intelligence Decline Linked to Tech

2/6/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath testified before the U.S. Senate that Gen Z's intelligence is lower than earlier generations.
He attributed the decline to excessive reliance on educational technology, harming attention, memory, and problem-solving.
Horvath noted cognitive abilities began declining around 2010 despite increased school attendance.
Critics argue pandemic disruptions and mental health issues also contribute.
The debate over implications for future generations has intensified.

History

Historical Context

The rise of smartphones and social media in the early 2010s, with 92% of teenagers owning smartphones, has significantly impacted cognitive development. This trend echoes concerns from the cognitive revolution, which began in the 1950s, emphasizing the importance of mental processes in learning. Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath's recent testimony highlights a decline in Gen Z's intelligence, underscoring the need for educational reform to address these challenges.

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Story summary

Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath testified before the U.S. Senate that Gen Z's intelligence is lower than earlier generations.
He attributed the decline to excessive reliance on educational technology, harming attention, memory, and problem-solving.
Horvath noted cognitive abilities began declining around 2010 despite increased school attendance.
Critics argue pandemic disruptions and mental health issues also contribute.
The debate over implications for future generations has intensified.

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