Photo: "Mean Girls" (2004)

If it seems like a "great idea" to play the lottery, follow every conspiracy theory on TikTok, or engage in debates without any facts, you're probably not looking for much depth. You're simply looking for convenience and pleasure.

Here's what researchers found that someone with below-average intelligence considers "smart":

1. Games of chance (lottery, gambling, etc.)

People with lower IQs feel like they have more chances, since success is not achieved through strategy, but through sweet luck. Whereas more intelligent people avoid lotteries because of the emotional and financial consequences.

2. Conspiracy theories

Intelligent people can explore, criticize, and challenge them. But those with lower intelligence simply accept them as "brilliant" on the surface, without analysis.

3. High self-confidence

Instead of saying things in simple and clear language, out of fear of inferiority, people with below-average intelligence brag unnecessarily. In the hope of covering up their insecurities, they actually miss the chance to learn from new people and situations.

4. Closeness to familiar people

You've probably noticed that you don't get along with someone who occasionally brings up in conversation that they have connections or close contacts with so-and-so, who "coincidentally" are some of the most well-known or powerful people in the country. Not excluding the possibility that the other party is probably openly deceiving you, you already know what this characteristic of their character says about their intelligence. 

5. Violation of the rules

To some, breaking laws and rules seems "heroic," but it is usually a lack of thinking and emotional intelligence. 

6. Rumors

Okay, gossip can make people connect, but when you don't have a single moment of empathy or critical thinking... you just like to talk nonstop and without thinking deeply, which is not a very good indicator of a person's intelligence.

7. Large and frequent celebrations

There are people who live for the atmosphere, the music, the crowds, and the escape from reality. If you enjoy living this kind of life every day, when will you make some space to really work on yourself?

8. Banal humor

It doesn't require mental effort, it makes you laugh straight away, without asking why. Occasionally entertaining? Yes, definitely. But brilliant? That's another topic.

9. Rumors about VIPs

When you're looking for comfort and a sense of "being part of it," news from the chaotic lives of VIPs is so interesting. Intelligent people read this news, but consider it superficial entertainment. The rest are deeply invested in the affairs of a stranger with whom they have almost nothing to do in their daily lives.

10. "Strong" debates

Truly intelligent people see debate as an opportunity to learn. People who feel inferior use tone of voice and arrogance to feel the satisfaction of "winning" the debate.

11. The "comfortable" life

People with lower IQs idealize instant gratification, even if it harms them later.

^{Source: Your Tango}