Study flags decline in Gen Z attention and memory

Gen Z may be the first generation to score lower on standardised school tests than those before them, according to neuroscientist Dr Jared Cooney-Horvath.

Speaking before the United States Congress, he said declines are being seen in attention, memory, reading, mathematics, and overall thinking skills - raising concerns about long-term cognitive development.

Cooney-Horvath believes constant screen time on phones and tablets could be a major factor.

He has suggested that schools reconsider their reliance on digital tools and return to more traditional learning methods, such as books and sustained reading.

However, not everyone agrees with the screen-time theory.

Some experts argue that pandemic disruptions, curriculum shifts, and broader social pressures may be behind the drop in scores. 

Others suggest this could represent a shift in how young brains develop and not necessarily a decline, but a change.

"So, with these declining test scores being reported, questions are being asked: Are we raising the first cognitively weaker generation? What is going on here?” said Primedia Digital Content Editor, Barbara Friedman.

To listen to Barbara Friedman in conversation with CapeTalk's Clarence Ford, click the audio below: