The Impact of Technology on Human Evolution: Will We Become Less Intelligent?
There has been much debate about the role of technology in human evolution. Some argue that the average intelligence of humans today may be lower than in the stone age, while others suggest that technology may actually prevent certain evolutionary pressures. This article explores these ideas and provides insights into the complex relationship between technology and human intelligence.
Decline in Human Intelligence?
There is a suggestion that the average intelligence of humans today is slightly lower than that of our Stone Age hunter-gatherer ancestors. However, this is not attributed to technological advancements. This belief is based on the average cranial capacity of modern humans, which is about 10% less than that of fossil remains from the pre-farming era. The rationale behind this theory revolves around the nutritional changes that occurred when humans shifted from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to farming.
Nutritional Changes and Brain Size
During the agricultural revolution, the level of nutrition for people declined compared to the nutrition enjoyed by hunter-gatherers. While farming allowed a greater number of people to be fed, the quality and variety of nutrition for any given individual were often inferior. This led to a disadvantage for individuals with larger brains when food supplies were scarce, a condition that was frequent throughout history.
Hunter-gatherer communities were typically small family-sized groups where intelligence was a critical survival trait, as everyone needed to contribute. In contrast, farming communities were larger, meaning that not everyone needed to be highly intelligent. As long as one individual in a community had a high level of intelligence, the survival of others was not as crucial.
Technological Mitigations on Evolutionary Pressures
While it is unlikely that technological advancements directly reduce human intelligence, they do mitigate the pressures of natural selection that would typically shape human evolution. Modern technology allows us to control more external circumstances, including environmental and internal factors, than other species can.
No Clear Correlation Between Intelligence and Fitness
It is important to note that there is no inherent correlation between intelligence and fitness in evolutionary terms. The theory that insects, with their vast numbers, outperform humans is not entirely accurate. Evolution is more of a biased random walk, influenced by serendipity and chance, rather than a deterministic force. It is about the discovery of abilities to thrive in a specific niche.
Advancements in Computing and Artificial Intelligence
Advancing computers do not denote the advent of artificial intelligence (AI). Despite the popular belief that technology will lead to hyper-intelligent machines, this is not the case. Current advancements in computing technology have not led to the development of true AI, and there is little evidence to suggest that this will change in the near future. The focus remains on simulating and enhancing human intelligence, not replicating or surpassing it.
The idea that technology will make humans less intelligent is also unfounded. Instead, technology will likely continue to shape the way we live, work, and interact, potentially reducing the immediate pressures on human intelligence. However, the complexity and adaptability of the human mind suggest that it will continue to evolve, albeit in different directions than what some previously predicted.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while technology may mitigate certain evolutionary pressures, it is unlikely to result in a generalized decline in human intelligence. The relationship between technology and human intelligence is intricate and multifaceted, reflecting the complex dynamics of human evolution and the ongoing impact of technological advancements.