AI and Human Cognition: The Reverse Flynn Effect and Protecting Cognitive Agency

Does using more technology actually make us less cognitively capable? For most of the 20th century, each generation scored higher on IQ tests than the one before, a phenomenon known as the Flynn effect. This trend began to reverse in several countries, though the pattern was recognized around 2010. If we think of humans like computers for a moment, the new generation may be developing different cognitive strengths: becoming better at parallel processing, visual pattern recognition, and multitasking (GPU tasks), while showing declines in deep sequential thinking, sustained focus, and linear problem-solving (CPU tasks). Change happens fast, but observing its effects on human cognition takes decades. 

In this episode, Pieter Vanhuysse discusses the importance of not repeating the mistakes made in the past decade and warns about keeping our cognitive agency.

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