I'm not so sure its collapsed. And even if it has, the propaganda factory has now gone on-line.Observe how the youth of today are more "Connected" than ever before - but who have little original to say.They regurgitate what the collective approves of - but lack the tools to assimilate, analyze, and reasonably articulate a perception of self-evident Truth.
I've been online since 1985.Welcome to the coliseum of ideas, Gladiator.
It's rare that you ever convince anyone that you are arguing with to change their position. The reason that they are arguing to begin with is that they have a solid opinion of things -- right or wrong.
And yes, most younger people are unserious and illogical -- all talk, little listening. They aren't all like that, but most are. I wasn't exactly a Greek philosopher back then either -- I was out having fun.
But...whether old or young, it's usually the lurkers and not the ones arguing who change their opinions on issues, based on listening to the arguments from both sides. Lurkers have got nothing personal invested and nothing to defend, so its easier for them to reform their ideas.
And people who are open to change and willing to defy the pack are leaders, and the pack can change leaders & ideas on a dime.
Arguments that are civil, are about the issues. Arguments that turn into verbal brawls attract the same kind of crowd that a wrestling match does. Lots of thumbs up and down, but who cares?
When you really have truth on your side, people either hear it or they don't.
Getting your ego out of the way is the hardest part.