My comment was that, irrespective of whether or not our ability to think critically has changed, our infospace is under unprecedented assault from foreign actors and from within.
So, the effects of our citizens not being able to reason effectively are more impactful/destructive.
You mentioned that 100 years ago, there was one source of news. This underscores my point. Sure, that's not ideal, but even pernicious effects were somewhat self-limiting versus a frequently hostile, 24/7 technology-fueled infospace, featuring hostile actors—known and unknown—who are out to destroy the fabric of our society.
So, the effects of our citizens not being able to reason effectively are more impactful/destructive.
You mentioned that 100 years ago, there was one source of news. This underscores my point. Sure, that's not ideal, but even pernicious effects were somewhat self-limiting versus a frequently hostile, 24/7 technology-fueled infospace, featuring hostile actors—known and unknown—who are out to destroy the fabric of our society.