Gen Z’s obsession with optimizing every facet of their lives has reached new and strange heights. It’s no secret that much of the world is readily available at our fingertips. Whether it’s food, a date or information, Gen Z has grown up in a culture built on instant gratification.

Want to change your face? Easy. Want to change your IQ? Not so fast.

“IQ maxxing,” the ugly cousin of “looksmaxxing,” has been slowly gaining steam on platforms like TikTok, promising to “make you smarter.” But is it really possible to improve your IQ (which, for the record, isn’t a complete measure of overall intelligence)?

According to science, no, there isn’t.

IQ maxxing, as its promoters on social media claim, is the ability to train the brain in a way that grows your “neuroplasticity.” These high-IQ strivers often promote brain supplements, training exercises and bizarre banana-heavy diets as a way to boost your mental capacity. Sadly, it’s all a sham.

If you want to improve your lot in life, there is only one tried and true formula: work hard, don’t cut corners and get plenty of rest. 

@jackedurden

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