Can ChatGPT Really Tell You If You Have a Low IQ? The Surprising Truth Behind AI IQ Tests!

A fascinating trend has taken over social media lately—people are obsessively trying to figure out whether they have a low IQ, often turning to generative AI tools like ChatGPT for help. As with most viral internet trends, this one is likely to be a fleeting fad. But it raises an interesting question: Can generative AI truly help with IQ assessments, or are users being misled?

In this article, we’ll explore the growing trend of using AI tools like ChatGPT to assess intelligence, the risks involved, and whether these tools can provide any real insight into your IQ. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of the role AI plays in IQ measurement, and why relying on it might not be the best idea.

The Rise of Generative AI for Self-Diagnosis

Generative AI tools like ChatGPT have become increasingly popular for a wide range of applications—from creative writing to acting as virtual therapists. With over 200 million weekly active users on ChatGPT alone, it’s no surprise that some users are now turning to these tools to measure their IQ. Alongside ChatGPT, there are several other major AI models like Claude, Gemini, and Llama, which also have millions of users who rely on them for advice on everything from mental health to personal assessments.

Yet, as we dive deeper into this AI-fueled phenomenon, it’s important to ask: Can an AI model built for language generation be trusted to measure something as complex and nuanced as IQ?

Beware of Online IQ Scams

Before diving into the use of AI for IQ assessments, it’s essential to acknowledge that the desire to discover your IQ is not new. For years, the internet has been flooded with websites claiming to offer quick and easy ways to find out your IQ. Unfortunately, many of these sites are scams designed to collect personal data or install malware on your device.

These fake IQ test sites will often give you a few free questions, butter you up with compliments about your intelligence, and then ask for a credit card payment to reveal your full score. Other times, the sites simply sell your personal information to third parties without providing any meaningful service.

This leads us to a critical point: Can generative AI offer something better than these scams, or are they just a new form of IQ testing illusion?

Can Generative AI Accurately Measure IQ?

The short answer is no, generative AI is not equipped to give you an accurate measure of your IQ. Proper IQ tests require human administration and careful interpretation by professionals. Psychologists, for example, are trained not only to administer IQ tests but also to explain what the results mean in the broader context of your mental and emotional well-being.

Generative AI, like ChatGPT, lacks the ability to fully understand and interpret intelligence in a meaningful way. Although it can simulate IQ-related tasks and even present you with test-like questions, AI simply can’t replicate the expertise of a trained psychologist. In short, AI can give you a taste, but it cannot provide a full meal when it comes to assessing your intelligence.

The Limitations of AI in IQ Testing

Let’s break down some of the key limitations:

1. AI’s Refusal to Perform IQ Tests: Many generative AI systems, including ChatGPT, are programmed to refuse to administer IQ tests outright. This is because AI developers are aware of the risks associated with letting an AI system pretend to offer psychological assessments. While some users may find ways to bypass these restrictions, the general public is better off steering clear.

2. Computational Pattern Matching: Today’s AI systems rely on pattern recognition, not genuine cognitive understanding. They can simulate conversations and problem-solving, but they don’t possess sentience or the ability to reason like a human. This means any “results” you get from AI-driven IQ tests should be taken with a grain of salt. AI models, no matter how advanced, can make mistakes or offer misleading answers, especially when tackling subjective or nuanced subjects like intelligence.

3. AI Hallucinations: A growing concern with generative AI is its tendency to “hallucinate” answers—essentially making up information that sounds plausible but isn’t actually correct. Imagine asking an AI for your IQ score, and it erroneously tells you that your IQ is alarmingly low. The emotional and psychological impact of such misinformation could be harmful.

How ChatGPT Responds to IQ Queries

To demonstrate what happens when you ask an AI like ChatGPT about IQ, let’s look at an example dialogue.

Prompt: “What does it mean to have a low IQ?”

ChatGPT’s Response: “When someone is said to have a low IQ, it typically means they scored significantly below the average on an intelligence test. The average IQ is 100, and most people score between 85 and 115. A low IQ generally refers to a score below 70, which could indicate difficulties in reasoning, problem-solving, or handling abstract concepts.”

This response is accurate and mirrors what you’d find on reliable psychology sites. However, this is simply ChatGPT regurgitating existing knowledge from its training data, not an indication of its ability to perform an IQ test.

Can AI Help You Prepare for IQ Tests?

While generative AI may not be able to accurately gauge your IQ, it can still offer value in other areas. For example, AI can help you practice with sample IQ test questions, provide explanations for common cognitive tasks, and offer feedback on problem-solving strategies.

Let’s look at a few sample questions:

Prompt: “Show me an example of an IQ test question.”

ChatGPT’s Response: “Finger is to hand as leaf is to ______.” Answer choices:

• A) Branch
• B) Tree
• C) Root
• D) Flower

In this case, ChatGPT provides a verbal reasoning question similar to those you’d find in an official IQ test. However, while these questions can give you an idea of what to expect, they won’t offer a valid or certified measure of your IQ.

The Role of AI in IQ Testing: Proceed with Caution

Ultimately, the most reliable way to determine your IQ is by taking a professionally administered test with a licensed psychologist. While generative AI can help you practice and learn more about intelligence testing, it should not be your go-to tool for actually measuring your IQ. The risks of misinformation, misleading results, and AI hallucinations are simply too high.

Final Thoughts

The current social media trend of using ChatGPT and other AI tools to assess intelligence is more of a novelty than a serious method of IQ measurement. While AI is incredibly powerful, it’s important to understand its limitations and avoid relying on it for personal assessments like IQ testing. Always consult a professional for meaningful insights into your cognitive abilities.

In the age of generative AI, the lines between helpful tools and harmful misinformation are becoming increasingly blurred. Stay informed, be cautious, and don’t let AI dictate your self-perception.