No, it's not just you — people really are, per a number of surveys, way less intelligent than they used to be.

I wonder if you could analyze internet discussions for an effect.

  • Capt. Wolf@lemmy.world
    922·
    il y a 3 jours

    Heavy metal exposure

    Sugar

    The proliferation of food additives being used that are known to dramatically lower IQ

    The gelding of our education system by morons who favor religious dogma over scientific fact

    Criminally underfunded schools thanks to political leaders who see investing in future generations as budget waste

    Failure to teach children critical thinking skills before exposing them to technology that makes it simpler for them

    Being constantly bombarded and overstimulated every waking moment by media

    Being chronically overworked and underrested

    Climate change

    Take your pick. The answer is “probably, yes.”

    • dutchkimble@lemy.lol
      3·
      il y a 3 jours

      Everything you said makes sense…except heavy metal exposure. Unless you mean lead or something…

      • Schmoo@slrpnk.net
        3·
        il y a 3 jours

        I know the phrase is ambiguous but from context they clearly meant actual metal.

      • AA5B@lemmy.world
        2·
        il y a 2 jours

        And mercury. And other heavy metals. They’re not just neurotoxic but biocumulative so even small exposures over a long time can add up to a lifetime of problems