It’s a nice idea but I don’t think it would’ve changed much. There are plenty of otherwise intelligent people who buy into conspiracy theories, like remember how the pandemic made us aware that antivax nurses exist? Not many for sure, but I didn’t even think that was possible. And there are also people who are smart in their field who think that makes them smart in everything so they spout a bunch of bullshit. Add in the smart grifters and I really don’t think very much would be different with a slightly more difficult internet.