It’s been almost two weeks since this blog commenced commentary on David Robinson’s review of The Dumbest Generation, but an idea worth sharing hit me this weekend.

For starters, I’m broadly sympathetic to the book’s thesis, that technology has often had a dumbing effect on kids. Over the past few weeks, I myself have wasted far too many hours hurling epithets at my television because my Mario Kart Wii races weren’t going so well. As a result, I’ve spent less time practicing my guitar, reading, and writing.

However, I’m reminded of this Wired article, which took a look at the Flynn Effect — the fact that, around the world, IQ scores have been rising over time. Some researchers believe the effect might be due to technology; learning to work with machines, even video-game machines, exercises our brains and improves our mental processing power. For example, playing Mario Kart, I have to recognize patterns in the tracks, use my power-up items to maximum effect, learn to use different vehicles, etc.

The argument is highly speculative, and I’m not sure I buy it. Still, assume it’s true for a second. If technology takes time away from academics, but raises kids’ cognitive ability, is that good or bad on balance?