Study Suggests Internet Explorer Users Have “Below-Average” IQs [UPDATED]

A quick word of warning: if you're reading my blog on Internet Explorer right now, you're probably gonna be a little offended by this story.

The "psychometric counseling" firm AptiQuant offered 100,000 people a free online IQ test and made a note of which internet browser the person was using. The results showed that people who used Microsoft's Internet Explorer browser scored lower than average on the IQ tests. People who used Safari, Firefox and Chrome web browsers scored slightly higher than average, and those who used Camino, Opera, and Internet Explorer with Chrome Frame browsers scored "exceptionally higher."

So basically, this test says if you use Internet Explorer, you're kinda dumb.

Personally, I don't think which browser you choose to use has anything to do with your IQ. Although I will say Internet Explorer is not the best internet browser out there. There are lots of compatibility issues with Internet Explorer. Websites that work just fine on other browsers sometimes don't work as well on IE (like the site I use to post this blog, for example) And speaking from personal experience, it does not hold up well against virus attacks.

So Internet Explorer is not the best browser, but I don't think using it means you're dumb. And just in case you're curious, I'm a Firefox user myself.

UPDATE 8/4/11: According to various sources, this study has turned out to be an elaborate hoax. After numerous news outlets, including this one, reported the story, a message on the AptiQuant website confirmed that the study was bogus, and that there is no such company as AptiQuant. The message also included an apology to anyone who was offended by the study. It's unclear who the actual perpetrator is or what his or her motives were.

So, no need to worry, Internet Explorer users. Your IQ has nothing to do with what browser you use. (which is what I was saying all long anyway...) And hey, it's not the first time we've all been fooled by something on the Internet, right?