Seriously, this is a worry. When I was younger I thought the Internet would make the scientific method go mainstream, with Usenet and later the web functioning as a sort of intellectual meritocracy.
Note to idealists: expect less and you won't be disappointed.
I'm an optimist and think it works a bit. Amongst all the rubbish there's some well thought out stuff out there on the interwebs and those that are interested may be able to find it. The people who like reading nonsense for entertainment don't matter that much. Except they vote. So maybe they do. Anyway...
Seriously, this is a worry. When I was younger I thought the Internet would make the scientific method go mainstream, with Usenet and later the web functioning as a sort of intellectual meritocracy.
Note to idealists: expect less and you won't be disappointed.