The term genius in the cyber technology field is frequently used to describe brilliant people adept at software coding or inventing new network hardware devices. Some examples include cyber inventors who created Chat GPT, quantum computing or designed new computer chips. However, in many cases, this word is misapplied. What are the qualities composing an actual genius? And who are considered real geniuses?
The private high school I attended in upstate New York, Storm King High School, has some intelligent students, and sometimes people would refer to one or more of these individuals as geniuses. They excelled academically. However, I doubt they were geniuses.
Excellent academic performance alone does not necessarily make someone a genius. High achievers may be exceptionally bright and hardworking, but they do not meet all the criteria of a genius. Geniuses are relatively rare, and their accomplishments often extend beyond academic success.
“Genius” is often used broadly to describe exceptionally intelligent individuals who excel in various fields, including cyber technology. However, it is important to distinguish between general intelligence and specific expertise in a particular domain. Real geniuses, in the context of cyber technology or any other field, typically possess a combination of the following qualities.
1. Exceptional intellectual ability. Geniuses typically have extraordinary cognitive faculties, enabling them to understand complex concepts, see patterns and relationships that others miss, and absorb and manipulate large amounts of information. In cyber technology, this might manifest as an ability to innovate solutions to intricate problems or conceptualize theoretical implications.
2. Creative thinking. Geniuses often think outside the box. They are not just adept at using existing knowledge but also creating new knowledge and solutions. They can connect seemingly unrelated concepts in innovative ways. These individuals can bring these ideas to fruition.
3. Insatiable curiosity. Geniuses possess a profound and enduring interest in cyber technology. This quest for knowledge drives much of their learning and discovery process.
4. Resilience and persistence. Geniuses frequently face significant failures and rejections, but their resilience and perseverance characterize them. They learn from failure and are not easily discouraged.
In cyber technology, some individuals are considered actual geniuses. Alan Turing decoded the German Enigma machine and helped defeat the Germans in World War II. John Van Neumann is known for his work in the early development of computers; he developed the Mathematical Analyzer Numerical Integrator and Computer, which at the time was the fastest computer. Albert Einstein, a German scientist, developed the theory of relativity. Elon Musk is known for his contributions to space technology and electric vehicles, among other endeavors. These individuals have made groundbreaking contributions that have had a profound impact on the field.
Why am I writing about this topic? Because I believe that the misapplying of this term by certain parents can have tremendous psychological health consequences for their children, including:
1. Pressure to perform. If a child is labeled a genius, they might feel an overwhelming pressure to excel and meet expectations constantly. This can lead to fear or failure, inhibiting risk-taking or trying new things.
2. Social isolation. Children labeled as geniuses might feel isolated from their peers, either because they are treated differently or because they participate in different academic programs.
3. Overemphasis on intelligence. By focusing too much on intellect, other essential attributes such as emotional intelligence, social skills, and physical abilities might be overlooked or undervalued.
4. Identity crisis. If a child’s self-worth is tied primarily to their label as a genius, they might struggle with their identity if they encounter academic challenges later in life. They might also feel trapped in roles or fields they believe are appropriate for a “genius,” even if their passions lie elsewhere.
5. Mental health issues. The pressure and potential isolation can contribute to problems like anxiety or depression.
As I stated above, the percentage of individuals considered geniuses is a small subset of the world’s population. Genius aptitude is primarily based on IQ scores. IQ scores are designed to have a mean of 100 and a standard deviation of 15. This means that 68% of people will score between 85 and 115, 95% will score between 70 and 130, and 99.7 % will score between 55 and 145. Only about 0.3% will score 145, and fewer will score above 160.
If we define genius as having an IQ of 140 or above, then roughly 0.3% of the population would fall in that category. This means that in the U.S., with a population of over 330 million, there could be close to a million people with an IQ of 140 or above. Globally, with a population of about 7.8 billion, there would be 23. 4 million people labeled as geniuses.
In summary, it is healthier for children’s development to be acknowledged holistically. It is important to praise children for their efforts and resilience, to encourage intellectual curiosity, and to assist them with developing their social and emotional skills. This balanced approach can lead to more well-rounded individuals better equipped to use their intellectual gifts more positively. It also helps to avoid some of the pitfalls of being labeled a “genius,” such as excessive pressure, unrealistic expectations, and social isolation.
