For decades, the average American IQ—like that of many developed nations—climbed steadily. This trend, known as the Flynn Effect, reflected rising average IQ scores, better education, and improved environmental factors. But in a surprising reversal, recent studies show that average IQ in the U.S. is now declining, despite historically consistent gains.
Let’s break down what’s happening—and how we can respond.
The Data: A Decline in US Average IQ Scores
Credit: Intelligence (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.intell.2023.101734
IQ, or intelligence quotient, is a standardized measure of cognitive abilities such as reasoning, memory, and problem-solving. While no single score can capture the full range of human intelligence or a person's cognitive abilities, IQ tests are designed to assess both cognitive performance and accumulated knowledge across different age groups. These assessments have been widely used in education and academic performance studies, as well as in research on cognitive development and age-related diseases.
According to a 2023 paper published in the journal Intelligence, American IQ test scores have dropped over a recent 13-year period—a dramatic shift that breaks with decades of upward trends. Declines in verbal reasoning, matrix reasoning, and computational/mathematical abilities occurred from 2006 to 2018, even as spatial reasoning slightly improved.
Why Might IQ in the United States Be Falling Compared to the Global Average IQ?
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Experts agree we don’t have firm answers yet—but several influential hypotheses emerge to contextualize why IQ in the United States might be falling compared to other countries.
Less reading, more screens: Diminished time with books and printed material could undermine verbal skills, critical thinking, and accumulated knowledge. Meanwhile, hours spent on smartphones and social media can fragment attention and limit problem-solving skills
Changing education and test-taking: Shifts in education systems, including how we teach and what we test, may affect performance on standardized tests designed to measure cognitive abilities
Environmental & societal shifts: Reduced reading, increased screen time, nutritional changes, and even air pollution have been suggested as contributors to global IQ declines .
While none of these factors alone explain the drop, together they point to real, actionable issues.
Why It Matters
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This isn't simply about "less smart people"—it's a wake-up call. Drops in average intelligence affect critical thinking, academic achievement, and cognitive performance broadly. Declines in verbal skills, logical reasoning, and problem-solving can ripple into workforce readiness, innovation, and public health.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Cognitive Development
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From early childhood education through lifelong learning, it's important to continually sharpen our cognitive performance. The decline in national IQ scores doesn’t mean we’re powerless. In fact, research suggests there are several science-backed ways to protect and even enhance your cognitive abilities across your lifespan.
Here’s what you can do:
1. Read More, Scroll Less
📚 Deep reading—whether novels, history, or science writing—activates brain regions involved in verbal skills, logical reasoning, and critical thinking. Unlike quick social media posts, books and long-form articles challenge memory and comprehension. Make reading a daily habit to strengthen your cognitive performance and build accumulated knowledge.
2. Challenge Your Brain with Learning
🧩 Just like muscles, the brain thrives on exercise. Learning a new language, instrument, or technical skill boosts problem-solving skills and cognitive development. Even puzzles and strategy games stimulate mental capabilities across different age groups. Lifelong learning is one of the most effective ways to protect human intelligence as you age.
3. Prioritize Physical Health for Brain Health
💪 The human body and brain are inseparable. Regular exercise improves blood flow to the brain, reduces risk of cardiovascular diseases, and supports cognitive function. Adequate sleep, hydration, and stress management also play major roles in preserving normal intelligence and preventing cognitive decline.
4. Focus on Nutrition
🥗 Your brain consumes up to 20% of the body’s energy. Diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and micronutrients have been linked to improved cognitive skills, better academic performance, and resilience against age-related diseases. Limiting processed foods and added sugars may also help sustain cognitive intelligence over time.
5. Limit Digital Overload
📱 Smartphones and social media are double-edged swords: while they provide instant access to information, excessive screen time is linked to shorter attention spans, worse mental health, and weaker problem-solving skills. Set boundaries—like device-free hours—to protect your cognitive abilities and maintain balance between accumulated knowledge and quick-hit information.
6. Support Brain Health with Targeted Supplements
🧠 Advances in aging research suggest that certain nutrients and compounds may help preserve cognitive performance. Sharpen by Tally Health is designed with this in mind—formulated to support memory, clarity, and focus so you can thrive in an environment full of cognitive stressors.
7. Foster Emotional Intelligence and Social Connection
💬 Strong emotional intelligence and social support aren’t just good for your mood—they also reinforce cognitive skills like empathy, decision-making, and resilience. Engaging in meaningful conversations and maintaining healthy relationships is a scientifically supported way to protect brain health across different age groups.
The Takeaway - Contextualizing the Average IQ Change
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Declining average American IQ scores aren’t a national fatality—they’re a signal. We can strengthen our cognitive development with mindful habits, enriched environments, and proven supplements.
🧠 Support Your Brain with Sharpen by Tally Health
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Boost your cognitive performance with Tally’s cutting-edge supplement. Sharpen is formulated with science-backed ingredients to support memory, attention, and long-term brain health—helping you stay sharp at any age.
Because in a world of distractions, protecting your brain is one of the smartest moves you can make.
References
- Newport. On the Reverse Flynn Effect. Cal Newport 2025; https://calnewport.com/on-the-reverse-flynn-effect/
- Dworak et al. Looking for Flynn effects in a recent online U.S. adult sample: Examining shifts within the SAPA Project. Intelligence 2023; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intell.2023.101734
Why are US average IQ scores falling compared to the global average IQ?
Experts agree we don’t have firm answers yet—but several influential hypotheses emerge to contextualize why IQ in the United States might be falling compared to other countries.
Less reading, more screens: Diminished time with books and printed material could undermine verbal skills, critical thinking, and accumulated knowledge. Meanwhile, hours spent on smartphones and social media can fragment attention and limit problem-solving skills
Changing education and test-taking: Shifts in education systems, including how we teach and what we test, may affect performance on standardized tests designed to measure cognitive abilities
Environmental & societal shifts: Reduced reading, increased screen time, nutritional changes, and even air pollution have been suggested as contributors to global IQ declines .
While none of these factors alone explain the drop, together they point to real, actionable issues.
What can you do to protect your cognitive development?
Here's what you can do to protect your cognitive development:
Read more, scroll less
Challenge your brain with learning
Prioritize physical health for brain health
Focus on nutrition
Limit digital overload
Support brain health with targeted supplements
Foster emotional intelligence and social connection
What do declining average IQ scores in the US mean?
Declining average American IQ scores aren’t a national fatality—they’re a signal. We can strengthen our cognitive development with mindful habits, enriched environments, and proven supplements.
