Cognitive abilities decline due to technology and pollution

Recent reports suggest that our ability to think and solve problems may be decreasing. Historically, intelligence test scores have risen over the last century. However, recent trends indicate that this increase has slowed, with some evidence pointing to a decline in cognitive abilities since the early 2010s. Experts attribute this decline to several factors. One major concern is the shift in how we consume information, moving from reading text to engaging with visual media online. This change may be hurting our math and literacy skills. Additionally, frequent smartphone use appears to lower our cognitive capacity. Studies show that people remember and process information better when their phones are not nearby. Air pollution is another significant factor affecting brain function. Research from Yale University indicates that exposure to polluted air can reduce cognitive performance similarly to a loss of one year of education. The longer individuals are exposed to poor air quality, the more severe the impact on their cognitive abilities. The COVID-19 pandemic also seems to have worsened cognitive issues. Census data from 2023 revealed that around one million more adults in the U.S. reported serious memory and focus problems compared to before the pandemic. This increase has been linked to long Covid, which can lead to brain fog and cognitive challenges. Finally, the rise of artificial intelligence may also be contributing to this decline in cognitive skills. While previous technology like calculators simplified tasks without reducing critical thinking, AI is changing the way we process information. It often takes over decision-making, which may diminish our reliance on our own thinking abilities. Research shows that students who use AI tools for homework tend to perform worse on tests than those who do not.