I'm going to go with then internet and more specifically social media as the main tools.

When I was young people believed whatever was on the 6 o'clock news or was written in a newspaper. Now all information for most younger people comes exclusively from online. And it's all the time, non stop, every time you pick up your phone. Combine that medium with decades of research into human psychology and you have the perfect storm for brain washing. Far more effective then in the past.

Also, I remember reading about the governments of ancient Rome. About how they understood the need to passify the "mob". Social media (an endless distraction), legalized drugs and a society based on consumption are all an effect to keep people relatively happy (even if that happiness is an illusion) and to not think too deep, to not rock the boat.

In summary I just feel we have structured our society to discourage critical thinking and social media and the internet are the perfect, next level tools to continue this process.

The root of this problem stems from the very basics of our culture. From the loss of morals, to the distruction of the nuclear family, to the complete lack of any form of shame. Its good times for everyone and dont think too deeply about it! The good times will never end! At least that's what my Facebook and Instagram are showing me...