Right, and because I could buy reference books as a kid without any problems that means that the web has not enabled me to learn more subjects in more depth in

Right, and because I could buy reference books as a kid without any problems that means that the web has not enabled me to learn more subjects in more depth in less time and meant that I don't spend more time learning than I did before? Are you really making this argument on HN of all places? That behaviour doesn't have the ability to fluctuate wildly with only small differences in friction (not a pun!)?