I think the damage was done on purpose. You cannot rule a nation of smart, articulate, self-reliant people. And since some people dearly want to rule over others, the decision mas made to destroy our ability to resist manipulation.
Similar damage done in all math areas with the “learning by the calculator” method.
I’m beginning to think this is by design as well. I’m well into middle age and returned to school a few years back in an education program. I find it astonishing what is advocated in the classroom. Some new methods are very good; others are not. And yes, I really do think that it’s probably by design. If we’re right, then it’s chilling.