I think it is a factor though, even with efficiency improvements in studying over time I doubt the average student can spend half the time and possibly get an u

I think it is a factor though, even with efficiency improvements in studying over time I doubt the average student can spend half the time and possibly get an understanding as deep as before across all subjects. For some specific subjects though this may be a natural progression with technology improvements, certain things may just now be simpler. We also have to look closely at where the students are coming from, I think the trend starts in high school, an increasing amount of people anecdotally seem to be developing the bad study habits here. Myself included, I think I have improved as time has gone on but I still don't feel most classes are giving challenges worth of close attention and study when I have much more interesting stuff on the side.