Why Are We Getting Smarter
For many decades now we’ve been getting smarter by about 3 IQ points every ten years. It’s called the Flynn Effect. Mike Williams examines how it’s changing societies.
For many decades now we’ve been getting smarter. All across the planet average IQ results have been rising… by about 3 points every ten years. It’s called the Flynn Effect and it’s changing our societies. So what is it? What causes it? And what could be the consequences if — as seems possible — it goes into reverse.
(Image : Woman and man standing back to back with think bubbles. Copyright - Racorn/Shutterstock)
Last on
Clips
![]()
When did our IQs start rising every year?
Duration: 01:31
![]()
Should we worry that the internet is eroding our knowledge?
Duration: 02:20
![]()
Can you tell how smart your baby is going to be?
Duration: 00:58
Broadcasts
- Fri 15 Jul 201621:32GMTBBC World Service except East and Southern Africa & News Internet
- Mon 18 Jul 201601:32GMTBBC World Service Americas and the Caribbean
- Mon 18 Jul 201602:32GMTBBC World Service Online, Europe and the Middle East & UK DAB/Freeview only
- Mon 18 Jul 201603:32GMTBBC World Service East Asia & South Asia only
- Mon 18 Jul 201604:32GMTBBC World Service Australasia
- Mon 18 Jul 201606:32GMTBBC World Service East and Southern Africa & Europe and the Middle East only
- Mon 18 Jul 201614:32GMTBBC World Service except News Internet
Get the podcast
Subscribe or download individual episodes for free
Why do we look the way we do?
Tattoos, trainers, jeans, hair, ties ... why?
Podcast
![]()
The Why Factor
The extraordinary and hidden histories behind everyday objects and actions
