Better Questions, Better Results

Has Society Become Collectively Less Intelligent? Not dumbing down—it’s evolving smartness in a changing world   Thoughtful Framing “Has society become collectively less intelligent?” is a question every generation asks. Socrates feared writing would ruin memory, critics of television thought screens would weaken minds, and today, smartphones and TikTok take the blame. But intelligence is more than test scores—it’s adaptability, creativity, and the ability to solve problems in changing environments. The evidence suggests society isn’t getting “dumber,” but intelligence is being redefined and redistributed. Has Intelligence Really Declined? IQ Trends: From Flynn to Reversal Throughout the 20th century, IQ scores rose steadily worldwide—a phenomenon known as the  Flynn Effect . On average, scores increased by about  3 points per decade . But since the early 2000s, the trend has shifted in some wealthy nations. Norway, Finland, and even the U.S. have seen signs of the  ...

What Drives Cultural Change? 7 Forces Shaping Society From TikTok to tech revolutions, here’s what’s really behind shifting values  Cultural change isn’t a mystery — it’s a system. Understanding it can help you better navigate the world, anticipate trends, and make sense of societal shifts. In this post, we break down the major forces behind cultural change, offer vivid examples from history and today, and explore why change is accelerating in the 21st century. If you’ve ever wondered what really shapes human values and behavior, this is your starting point. The Invisible Engine of Culture: What Are the Drivers? Cultural change is not random. It follows patterns driven by recognizable forces. These include: 1. Technological Advancements: The Ultimate Disruptor Technology acts like a constant update to the cultural software we live by. It shifts how we interact, work, and think. Game-Changing Innovations: Printing Press : Spread knowledge, sparked revolutions. Industrial R...