Asking someone's IQ or how smart they are in general can be a sensitive topic and is generally considered impolite in many social settings. There are several reasons why it's often regarded as rude:
Privacy: IQ is considered personal information, and some people may not feel comfortable sharing it with others, especially in casual conversations.
Comparison and Judgment: Asking about IQ levels can lead to comparisons and judgments. People might feel inferior or superior based on their IQ scores, which can be damaging to self-esteem and relationships.
Intelligence is multi-dimensional: Intelligence is a complex and multi-dimensional trait, and IQ tests may not fully capture someone's intellectual capabilities. People have different strengths and talents that are not reflected solely by their IQ scores.
Cultural and Societal Bias: IQ tests can be influenced by cultural and societal factors, which can affect the validity and fairness of the results. Using IQ scores as a measure of intelligence can perpetuate stereotypes and biases.
Unnecessary pressure: Asking about someone's IQ can put unnecessary pressure on them to perform or prove their intelligence, which can be stressful and uncomfortable.
Regarding why people care about IQ levels, there are various reasons:
Historical significance: IQ testing has a long history, and intelligence has been associated with academic achievement and success in various fields.
Curiosity and comparison: People may be curious about others' IQ scores out of comparison or to gauge their intellectual abilities.
Validation: Some individuals may seek validation or recognition for their intelligence by sharing their high IQ scores.
Stereotypes and judgments: Society often values intelligence and associates it with certain characteristics like leadership, problem-solving abilities, and success, leading some people to place importance on IQ scores.
However, it is crucial to recognize that intelligence is not solely determined by IQ tests and that there are many forms of intelligence, including emotional intelligence, creativity, practical skills, and social intelligence, among others. Emphasizing only one narrow aspect of intelligence can be limiting and overlook the diverse talents and capabilities that people possess.
In social interactions, it is generally better to focus on understanding and appreciating people for who they are as individuals rather than trying to measure their intelligence through a single metric like an IQ score. Encouraging personal growth, curiosity, and empathy can lead to more positive and meaningful connections with others.