CerebrumIQ data shows smart shaming is fueling imposter syndrome.

A recent survey conducted by CerebrumIQ found that 62% of respondents aged 18-36 reported experiencing “smart shaming”, being mocked, dismissed, or socially penalized for displaying intelligence or academic interest. The data also revealed a strong link between this social pressure and the rise of imposter syndrome: 71% of those who reported smart shaming also said they frequently doubted their own abilities despite evidence of competence.

The phenomenon is not new but is intensifying in the digital age. Historically, people who excelled intellectually often faced stereotypes of arrogance or elitism. Today, however, social media platforms have amplified the dynamic, where casual tones dominate online discourse. According to CerebrumIQ, 43% of young adults admitted to avoiding posting thoughtful or intellectual content out of fear of being labelled pretentious. In cultures where humility and relatability are prized, overt displays of intelligence are sometimes recast as social liabilities.

The findings highlight an overlooked cultural tension: intelligence is celebrated in theory but often punished in practice. 54% of participants said they consciously downplayed their knowledge in social situations to avoid being targeted, a form of self-censorship that can erode confidence over time. CerebrumIQ’s data shows this trend is most visible in Western contexts, particularly in the US and UK, while respondents in parts of the EU reported slightly lower exposure, suggesting that attitudes toward intelligence may vary by cultural environment.

The link to imposter syndrome is particularly striking. Among participants who experienced frequent smart shaming, 68% reported struggling with feelings of fraudulence at work or in studies, compared with only 29% among those who had not faced such stigma. This suggests that cultural attitudes toward intelligence may directly undermine self-trust, even in high-achieving individuals. Younger generations appear especially vulnerable: three-quarters of those under 30 in the survey described moments when they deliberately held back ideas in academic or professional settings, fearing social backlash.

Despite these challenges, the survey indicates pathways to resilience. Nearly 60% of respondents who engaged with CerebrumIQ’s brain games, puzzles, and lessons reported reduced imposter feelings over time. Participants emphasized that simply practicing cognitive skills in a structured and engaging way helped them build confidence and recognize their abilities as genuine. This suggests that environments that encourage intellectual effort without judgment can counteract the cultural stigma.

Smart shaming, then, is more than a passing social irritant: it is shaping self-perception in ways that limit both personal confidence and collective productivity. With imposter syndrome already linked to workplace stress, burnout, and lower career progression, addressing the cultural roots of this dynamic may be as critical as offering individual tools for mental resilience. For organizations and educators, acknowledging the impact of smart shaming may become an important step toward fostering environments where intellectual curiosity is encouraged rather than suppressed.

About CerebrumIQ:
CerebrumIQ is a cognitive performance platform designed to strengthen mental skills through a blend of IQ testing, neural training games, intelligence puzzles, educational courses, and expert content. The assessments are calibrated to reflect standard IQ tests and used globally to track and enhance users’ thinking abilities. The platform, used by over a million people worldwide, offers more than 300 lessons on emotional intelligence, problem-solving, innovation, confidence-building, and decision-making, helping users develop essential life skills in a structured, engaging way. CerebrumIQ is redefining how people engage with their mental potential. Unlike entertainment-style brain games, Cerebrum IQ is a structured training ecosystem built to deliver lasting neural growth.

Media Contact:
CerebrumIQ
pr@cerebrumiq.com
Amelia Botha
PR Manager