Gen Z vs Millennials: Research Reveals Which Generation Is More Intelligent

The question of whether Gen Z is less intelligent than their parents has sparked global debate. Several studies and IQ trend analyses suggest that the average intelligence quotient (IQ) of Gen Z may be lower than that of their parents, the Millennial generation, and even earlier generations.

Traditionally, each new generation recorded higher average IQ scores than the one before it. However, for the first time in recorded history, this trend appears to have reversed, with Gen Z showing lower average IQ levels than the preceding generation.

Who Belongs To Gen Z And Millennials?

Gen Z includes individuals born between 1997 and 2012. This generation has grown up entirely in a digital environment, surrounded by smartphones, high-speed internet and social media from early childhood.

Millennials,

by contrast, were born between 1981 and 1996. They witnessed the rise of the internet and digital technology, but spent much of their childhood in a pre-digital world. They experienced technological transformation during adolescence and early adulthood, leading to a distinctly different relationship with technology compared with Gen Z.

The Reversal Of The Flynn Effect

According to a report by CNBC, several global studies indicate that the long-standing Flynn Effect may be reversing. The Flynn Effect described the steady rise in average IQ scores across generations over many decades. In recent years, however, this upward trend has slowed, stopped or even declined in some countries.

Researchers note that this decline among Gen Z is most evident in areas such as formal education outcomes, concentration levels and problem-solving abilities, where Millennials continue to show an advantage.

While experts stress that intelligence cannot be fully measured by IQ alone, the shift remains noteworthy.

Why Might Gen Z’s IQ Levels Be Lower?

Experts suggest multiple factors behind the apparent decline in IQ scores among Gen Z. One of the most significant is digital overload. Growing up with constant exposure to smartphones, social media platforms and short-form video content has led to frequent multitasking and continuous notifications, which may reduce attention spans.

Millennials, on the other hand, spent their formative years in a largely analogue environment. Reading books, engaging in long conversations and practising sustained focus were more common, potentially supporting deeper cognitive development.

Education, Lifestyle And Mental Health Factors

Changes in education systems, reduced reading habits, lack of adequate sleep and rising mental stress are also seen as major contributors to declining IQ scores. Psychologists point out that while Gen Z has access to vast amounts of information, they often lack the time and opportunity for deep thinking and critical analysis.

Traditional IQ tests tend to prioritise logical reasoning, sustained concentration and problem-solving, areas that may be affected by these lifestyle changes.

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Why Gen Z Is Not Less Intelligent

Despite these findings, experts caution against labelling Gen Z as a less intelligent generation. Intelligence today extends beyond traditional IQ measurements. Gen Z demonstrates strong abilities in technology, digital literacy, creativity, multitasking and social awareness.

This generation adapts quickly to change, learns new skills rapidly and shows heightened awareness of global and social issues, all of which reflect different forms of intelligence.

Intelligence Is Evolving, Not Declining

Ultimately, the debate between Gen Z and Millennials cannot be reduced to IQ scores alone.

Millennials may perform better on traditional measures of intelligence, while Gen Z brings new forms of understanding and skills suited to a rapidly evolving, digital world. The nature of intelligence has changed, not diminished.