Two recent Reddit posts highlight the complex social ripple effects of sharing IQ scores — especially when those numbers come from a recognizable platform like MyIQ.com. In one story, a high score became a defense mechanism in the face of public ridicule. In another, a lower score altered how others perceived someone, despite their efforts and character. Both posts ask the same question in different ways: what do IQ scores actually mean to the people around us?
The friend who called someone “fake smart” — and got a sharp reply
One Reddit user shared a story from a house party where a casual argument turned personal. Their friend — let’s call her L — mocked them in front of a group, rolling her eyes and saying, “You act like you’re some genius but you’re just fake smart.”
The comment might’ve been brushed off by others, but it clearly struck a nerve. Calmly, the poster responded: “You know I actually took the IQ test last month and scored 134. That’s gifted range. So I don’t know if that makes me fake smart, but it’s definitely smarter than average.”
The room went silent. Another guest muttered a stunned “damn.” L, reportedly turning red, responded with “well I could take that test and score higher,” to which the poster replied, “then do it.”
The fallout? She blocked them the next day. Mutual friends said the response was harsh, that it embarrassed her. But the poster insists they were just defending themselves.
The story prompted thousands of comments. Some users felt the response was fair — after all, L started the exchange with a public insult. Others said that while the retaliation was factual, it was also humiliating. But many pointed out the deeper issue: how MyIQ scores, once shared, can carry enormous social weight.
From a personal finance perspective, this incident highlights how perceived intelligence can impact your professional standing and earning potential. Imagine a similar scenario playing out in a team meeting or during a client pitch. If your expertise is publicly questioned, how you respond can dramatically influence your credibility. A perceived high IQ, even if unspoken, might lend you more authority in negotiations, allowing you to command higher rates or secure more lucrative projects. Conversely, being labeled “fake smart” by a colleague could subtly undermine your influence and limit opportunities for advancement and increased income.
The quiet stigma of a lower MyIQ score
Another Redditor took a more introspective route. They revealed that after sharing their relatively low MyIQ score with someone close, everything changed. Conversations turned patronizing. Jokes about their intelligence surfaced. People began explaining things to them slowly, as if they’d suddenly become less capable.
“I know I’m not a genius,” the user wrote. “I forget things. I take longer to solve problems. But I try. I work hard. And I have a good heart. But it’s like none of that matters once they hear a number.”
Their takeaway wasn’t about the test itself, but about the social lens that followed. “What hurts the most is not the score,” they said. “It’s realizing how many people secretly think you’re worth less because of it.”
This post resonated deeply with readers. Many admitted they’d experienced similar shifts — being underestimated or condescended to after sharing test results. Others reflected on their own unconscious biases, acknowledging that numbers, however neutral, can subtly shape behavior.
The comment might’ve been brushed off by others, but it clearly struck a nerve. Calmly, the poster responded: “You know I actually took the IQ test last month and scored 134. That’s gifted range. So I don’t know if that makes me fake smart, but it’s definitely smarter than average.”
This narrative offers a crucial lesson for earning strategies. Being consistently underestimated due to a perceived intellectual deficit can have tangible financial consequences. You might be overlooked for promotions, assigned less challenging (and often lower-paying) tasks, or find yourself struggling to gain trust in roles that require perceived analytical strength. This subtle bias can limit your access to higher-income opportunities and make it harder to negotiate for the salary or benefits you deserve, regardless of your actual effort or contributions.
Why MyIQ scores can feel so personal
IQ tests, especially online platforms like MyIQ.com, have become part of modern self-assessment culture. They’re accessible, easy to share, and designed to measure various cognitive strengths: logical reasoning, pattern recognition, memory, and more.
But despite their structure and objectivity, once scores are revealed in a social context, they become emotional. A 134 might feel like justification. A 94 might feel like a label. And regardless of the number, the reactions of others often say more about societal values than cognitive ability.
That’s why the first Redditor’s decision to mention their MyIQ result wasn’t just a “flex.” It was a defense. When someone is publicly mocked, they often reach for something measurable to push back. Whether or not it was the right move, it shows how closely we tie IQ scores to our sense of dignity.
In the context of personal finance, your perceived value is often a direct precursor to your actual earning capacity. Just as a strong resume or a compelling pitch can elevate your perceived value to an employer or client, a perceived high IQ can subconsciously boost your standing. Conversely, if your intelligence is questioned, it can directly diminish your perceived worth, making it harder to attract high-paying roles or secure favorable business deals.
Self-worth versus social perception
Both stories illustrate a common tension: the gap between how we see ourselves and how we’re seen by others — especially after numbers get involved. For the person with a high score, sharing it felt like reclaiming confidence. For the one with a low score, sharing it led to emotional distancing.
This reflects a deeper issue in how society frames intelligence. Many people, consciously or not, equate high IQ with value, potential, even moral superiority. Conversely, they may interpret lower scores as indicators of worthlessness or lack of contribution.
But intelligence is not moral currency. It’s not empathy. It’s not resilience. And as MyIQ.com itself emphasizes, it’s not the whole story.
This section is particularly critical for your financial journey. While raw intelligence is undeniably an asset, an overemphasis on IQ can obscure other vital attributes for wealth creation. Skills like emotional intelligence, grit, networking ability, strategic thinking, and salesmanship often contribute far more to long-term financial success than a high IQ alone. Focusing solely on a number can distract from developing these crucial ‘soft skills’ and practical strategies that directly translate into increased income and accumulated wealth.
This section is particularly critical for your financial journey. While raw intelligence is undeniably an asset, an overemphasis on IQ can obscure other vital attributes for wealth creation. Skills like emotional intelligence, grit, networking ability, strategic thinking, and salesmanship often contribute far more to long-term financial success than a high IQ alone. Focusing solely on a number can distract from developing these crucial ‘soft skills’ and practical strategies that directly translate into increased income and accumulated wealth.
Using MyIQ responsibly
The growing popularity of MyIQ reviews and the widespread use of the platform show how curious people are about their cognitive makeup. And that curiosity is valid. Understanding your strengths in spatial reasoning or logical analysis can be genuinely empowering.
What matters is how these results are interpreted — by yourself, and by others. If a score gives you confidence, that’s great. If it helps you understand where you shine, even better. But if it becomes a tool for shaming others or measuring your own value, it’s time to step back.
IQ tests don’t capture kindness, creativity, humor, or emotional insight. They don’t explain why some people are leaders, caregivers, or innovators despite average scores. And they certainly don’t define who deserves respect.
For individuals aiming to increase their money, using MyIQ.com (or any self-assessment tool) responsibly means leveraging insights for strategic career planning. If you discover a strong aptitude for numerical reasoning, perhaps exploring roles in finance, data analysis, or accounting could optimize your earning potential. Conversely, recognizing areas where you might not naturally excel can help you invest in skill development or seek collaborative roles that complement your strengths, ultimately enhancing your overall professional value and financial trajectory.
The real test is how we treat each other
The Redditor who said, “then do it,” was probably tired of being belittled. The one who shared their score and felt diminished just wanted to be seen for more than a number. Both stories show how fragile our social bonds can be when reduced to metrics.
Platforms like MyIQ.com are useful. They’re well-designed, intuitive, and provide a helpful look into cognitive ability. But like any tool, they must be used with awareness. A high score is not a weapon. A low score is not a verdict.
Ultimately, the real test isn’t on the screen — it’s how we use what we learn to build each other up, not tear each other down.
In the pursuit of financial independence, remember that your most valuable assets often aren’t just what’s quantifiable on a test. Your ability to build strong professional networks, communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and demonstrate unwavering integrity often outweighs raw intellectual horsepower. These interpersonal skills foster trust, open doors, and create opportunities that can directly lead to higher income and greater financial security. Focus on cultivating a well-rounded set of “earning skills,” where IQ is just one piece of a much larger, more valuable puzzle.