Every Generation Outperformed Its Parents, Until Gen Z, Which Neuroscientist Jared Cooney Calls The Least Intelligent
✍️ By Teju/ February 9, 2026/ 10:49am
Neuroscientist Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath has raised concerns about cognitive trends in today’s youth, asserting that Generation Z may be the first generation in modern history to underperform cognitively compared with previous generations. Horvath, a former educator turned cognitive scientist, made this statement during testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, highlighting significant shifts in how young people learn and think in the digital age.
According to Horvath, core skills such as attention, memory, literacy, numeracy and executive functioning have plateaued or declined among Gen Z, despite longer years in formal education than prior generations. Experts link this trend to the widespread and unregulated adoption of digital technology in classrooms and everyday life.
Critically, he noted that human brains are biologically wired to learn through deep study and human interaction, not through superficial engagement with screens and bite‑sized content. This shift, he argues, has decoupled schooling from true cognitive development.
The findings have sparked debate among educators and parents, with calls for a reevaluation of how screens and digital learning tools are integrated into education systems worldwide. Horvath’s comments have also prompted discussion about what changes might help future generations, such as Generation Alpha, avoid similar declines.
