Brain-Training Apps Make You Smarter

Companies like Lumosity marketed their games as scientifically proven cognitive enhancers, but a 2016 FTC settlement forced a $2 million refund for deceptive claims. Large-scale studies involving 11,000 participants found the apps improve only at their own specific tasks, not general intelligence including working memory. A meta-analysis showed an average effect size of merely 0.03 compared to active control—nearly zero. This outperforms #6's cancer breakthrough hype in one way: it generated real fines and regulatory action. However, it's more insidious than #7's Mars water hype because it monetized false hope, costing consumers over $100 million annually while delivering no measurable brain boost beyond placebo.