I think what's different now is that those who never had a voice, now do. So they can say any nonsense. So it seems that people are more stupid now but I don't think that is the case, it's just that we are now hearing from the stupid people. But it is not a reflection on society as a whole.
I guess the proof in the pudding as you say is that the number of people believing in religion is dropping and that means most people are understanding more about the world.
