They do affect productivity and disproportionately one might say. The problem is that these things are very hard to measure. Say you have an article about how t

They do affect productivity and disproportionately one might say. The problem is that these things are very hard to measure. Say you have an article about how to generate Qr-codes and a few hundred people everyday use it to build Qr-code solutions for their businesses. The alternative is that they don't use Qr-codes because they can't afford to buy a solution. How are you going to measure the productivity gains for that one? Many things were involved along the chain: Internet (and Cable networks), Search Engines, Publishing platform, somebody free time, etc...