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[–] 176 points 1 month ago (7 children)

As a Gen X whose brain cells were supposedly fried in childhood breathing tons of leaded gas, I look upon my Gen Z offspring and have to say, a drop in intelligence is not at the top of my list of concerns for that generation. They seem a generally dispirited bunch. So much depression, anxiety, and isolation, coupled with bleak future prospects. I just want to give them all a hug, honestly.

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  • [–] 127 points 1 month ago (4 children)

    Fun fact: Depression affects many things. Attention span, reaction time, engagement, memory, higher reasoning, spatial awareness... All things that (tangentially or directly) affect perceived intelligence.

    Pretty damn good chance that we're all sad because we know damn well just how fucked the world is, and we burned out before we ever got a chance to try.

    ... that said, I'll totally take that hug. Hugs are great. 🫂

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  • [–] 12 points 1 month ago (2 children)

    And yet, intelligent people are also far more likely to be depressed. Imagine how smart all those sad smart people would be if they weren't sad about the state of the world all the time!

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  • [–] 3 points 1 month ago*

    But that would require us to so something about it. Icky! I hate doing things!

    Second point, what if we make the world a better place for no reason. You'll really have egg on your face then.

    How does it feel to be outsmarted. (very smug look)

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  • [–] 12 points 1 month ago

    Yep, we got shit thrown at us, and in some ways it built good traits in us. But there was still some hope along with the fears in our time. I don't think we passed much of that down.

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