8 things unintelligent people love to talk about, according to psychology
Conversation reveals a lot about someone’s intellectual engagement.
While everyone enjoys casual topics now and then, repeated focus on surface-level subjects can hint at deeper cognitive patterns.
This article explores the types of conversations that might indicate lower intellectual curiosity.
It’s not about judgment but understanding how the content of discussions can reflect a person’s mental engagement and habits.
1) Celebrity gossip
Have you ever noticed how some people seem to know more about the Kardashians than they do about current world events?
This, according to psychology, can be an indicator of lower intellectual engagement.
It’s not to say that enjoying a bit of celebrity news from time to time is a sign of low intelligence. After all, we all need some form of light entertainment.
However, when this becomes the primary topic of conversation and overshadows more substantive issues, it could be a sign.
Unintelligent individuals might find comfort in talking about the lives of celebrities because it requires less cognitive effort.
There’s no need to understand complex issues or engage in critical thinking. It’s simply about who did what and who’s dating who.
It could be a noteworthy observation about the intellectual engagement of the people you’re interacting with.
2) Intellectual topics
Surprisingly, another favorite topic for individuals with lower intellectual engagement is actually intellectual topics themselves.
This might seem contradictory, but let me explain.
These individuals often enjoy discussing high-brow subjects such as philosophy, politics, or science. However, the conversation typically lacks depth and understanding.
It’s more about appearing knowledgeable rather than truly understanding or exploring the topic at hand.
These discussions are often filled with misinformation or oversimplified explanations. This can lead to misunderstandings and the propagation of false information.
This behavior tends to stem from a desire to fit in or seem more intelligent. It’s a way of compensating for their lack of knowledge or understanding.
3) Personal achievements
People with lower intellectual engagement often enjoy talking about their personal achievements, be it big or small.
This can range from simple day-to-day tasks to larger accomplishments.
Now, there’s nothing wrong with being proud of your achievements.
However, when it becomes the main topic of conversation, it might be a sign of lower intellectual engagement.
This tendency to constantly discuss personal achievements stems from a need for validation and recognition.
According to studies, people who frequently seek external validation tend to have lower self-esteem and are more likely to experience depression and anxiety.
4) The misfortunes of others
Sometimes, individuals with lower intellectual engagement might find themselves drawn to discussing the misfortunes of others.
Now, it’s important to note that this isn’t about being unkind or taking pleasure in others’ pain. It’s often a way to create a sense of connection or shared experience.
These conversations can offer a form of reassurance. It can be comforting to know that others face struggles too – it reminds us we’re not alone in our own challenges.
It’s a human tendency to seek connection through shared experiences, even when those experiences are negative.
However, when these discussions become the focus of conversation (and even more so if it involves some schadenfreude), it could be indicative of lower intellectual engagement.
It’s a simpler form of interaction that doesn’t require much mental effort or critical thinking.
5) Weather
A good old conversation about the weather, we’ve all been there. It’s almost a universal small talk topic. It’s easy, non-confrontational, and everyone can relate to it.
Individuals with lower intellectual engagement often resort to discussing the weather because it’s a safe and effortless conversation starter.
It doesn’t require much thought or knowledge, making it an attractive topic for those who may struggle with more complex discussions.
While talking about the weather is a casual, everyday part of human interaction, if it becomes a go-to topic in every conversation, it could indicate a lower level of intellectual engagement.
So, the next time you find yourself in an extended dialogue about whether it’s going to rain tomorrow or how hot it was last week, you might be witnessing this psychological pattern in action.
6) Television shows
Picture this: you’re at a social gathering and someone starts discussing the latest episode of a popular TV show in great detail.
Every twist, every character’s decision, every plot development – nothing escapes their commentary.
While there’s no harm in enjoying television and sharing your thoughts about your favorite shows, when it becomes the dominant topic of conversation, it might indicate a lower level of intellectual engagement.
Discussing TV shows doesn’t require much cognitive effort. It’s easy to follow along and contribute without needing deep understanding or critical thinking.
This makes it an attractive topic for individuals with lower intellectual engagement.
7) Complaints
We all have those days where everything seems to go wrong and venting about it feels good. But there’s a difference between letting off steam and constantly complaining.
People with lower intellectual engagement can often fall into the habit of focusing on the negatives.
They talk about what’s wrong in their lives, what they don’t like, and what bothers them.
Perpetual complaining doesn’t solve problems or lead to personal growth. It’s a passive behavior that avoids taking responsibility or finding solutions.
If you notice someone frequently dwelling on their complaints, it might be more than just having a bad day. It could be an indicator of their intellectual engagement level.
While lending an empathetic ear can be helpful, don’t let yourself be dragged into the negativity.
8) Superficial judgments
One of the most telling signs of lower intellectual engagement is a tendency to make superficial judgments.
When people focus on outward appearances or easily observable traits rather than attempting to understand the complexity and depth of individuals or situations, it could indicate a lack of intellectual curiosity.
Making quick, surface-level judgments requires less cognitive effort than taking the time to understand the nuances and complexities of people and situations.
It’s an easy way out that avoids the need for critical thinking or empathy.
If you notice this habit in someone’s conversation, it can be an indication of their intellectual engagement level.
Intellectual curiosity is not just about discussing ‘smart’ topics; it’s about the willingness to understand, learn, and grow.
Conclusion
Conversations are a reflection of our thought processes and intellectual interests.
While there’s nothing wrong with casual or light-hearted discussions, constantly gravitating toward superficial topics can limit intellectual growth and the depth of our connections with others.
Striving for more meaningful conversations not only enriches our relationships but also encourages critical thinking and a broader understanding of the world around us.
It’s a reminder that what we talk about matters, and choosing richer topics can lead to more thoughtful and rewarding interactions.