A Distortion of Intelligence: The ever-changing nature of intelligence (505 words)
Intelligence is a peculiar term to wrap your head around. Time has significantly altered the definition of intelligence in humans. Progressions in society such as technology, despite its convenience, are regressing our ability to enhance our cognitive thinking.
A few decades ago, individuals poured their hearts and souls into composing articles. Now it takes the click of a button to obtain data and convert it into information. Evolution plays an extensive role in the changed brain function of homo sapiens. Over the centuries, our brains have adapted to become more functional and allocate specific parts of our brain and localise tasks for more efficient processing. The increase in the volume of the brain is somewhat correlated with the increase in intelligence in homo sapiens, even though it is more weighted on the neuron count. “Intelligence is seen not to be a unitary entity, but it coexists as a discrete socio-cognitive domain.” (Garder 1993; Sternberg 1990; Goleman 1995). Throughout history, primates and modern humans both showed an increase in intellectual growth. Forms of art to breakthroughs in the sciences, math and philosophy, are evidence that suggests so. Time is a double-edged sword. People in the 18th and 19th centuries were more attentive to discoveries.
Regression in the cognitive ability of humans is increasing. There is no doubt that humans are getting brighter, but in what context are we progressing concerning intelligence? The overdependence on technology is causing us to become too comfortable. Democratic development has halted, and violence, climate change, and pandemic disease is threatening hundreds of billions of people. The most critical issues are intertwined. A worsening environment will exacerbate economic concerns, resulting in new security challenges. Technology, when utilised effectively, can enhance the lives of billions of people; if used incorrectly, it can destroy us all. As seen in the younger generation, such as myself, we are extremely dependent on our devices. Whether it be for social media, entertainment or educational purposes, technology has become a part of us, this is the source of our ignorance.
Progression in humanity is present in terms of technological advances as well as discoveries in medicine, which have skyrocketed. This rapid burst of cultivation in society is remarkable. Humanity now has an advantage with such devices to make progress in life and improve our world. Corporations such as NASA, Tesla, SpaceX and several others are working hand in hand to grow our space industry, something we could not have accomplished without the wave of technology. Students all around the world can access sources and opportunities online to progress on their path to excellence.
‘What counts is not whether we think society is progressing or regressing. What matters is our level of consciousness. As consciousness grows, so does the potential for improving everyone's life.’ 'The seed of tomorrow is sown today by our level of awareness.' If your consciousness contracts due to fear, and confusion, your options for enhancing your life will likewise contract. What is the point of so much progression when regression seems to be walking hand-in-hand with it?