The Quiz Conundrum: Why We're Hooked on Being Smarter Than Others The latest Slate quiz pits readers against their web developers in a battle of wits.
On the surface, these quizzes appear as harmless diversions, but they tap into our deep seated insecurities and capitalize on our competitiveness.
Historically, online intellectual showdowns have been a staple of internet culture. They join other popular forms like "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader? " or local trivia nights at bars.