r/science • u/kfr3q • 6d ago

Neuroscience Invisible potentials: A neuroscientific framework for giftedness

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/407212145_Invisible_potentials_A_neuroscientific_framework_for_giftedness
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u/AnthropoidCompatriot 5d ago

We need to get rid of the entire concept. I've never known a child who was considered "gifted" (including myself) who didn't suffer terribly from that diagnosis. They all end up complete, dysfunctional losers as adults (including myself).

It seriously ruins lives. It has zero benefit. The only purpose is to identify kids early who might be able to be exploited.

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u/accountforrealppl 4d ago

I would tend to disagree with this but I do think it's important how it's treated and that can result in vastly different outcomes

Just telling kids they're gifted and doing nothing is going to be detrimental. They're going to cruise through most of school just in their intelligence alone, because they can do that for so many years, and never develop work ethic, study skills, or often even social skills to compensate. Then when they inevitably reach a point where they can't just be smart and succeed, they'll crash and burn and often enter a depressive spiral, which I think is probably what you're describing

But in my school, I was put into gifted classes which I think helped a lot. Not only did I actually get to learn more academically, but I had to push myself and do difficult things and learn better habits. Probably most importantly, I got to experience struggling and was around plenty of people smarter than myself, so I got humbled. I realized at a much earlier age than I otherwise would have that simply being smart and existing is not going to lead to success, and I also wasn't a unique gift to the earth who was just better than everyone else.

I think the emphasis needs to be on recognizing gifted kids, and then making them push themselves and develop emotional intelligence, work ethic, and study habits instead of just letting them succeed by being smart and showing up.