We tend to think history before the internet is irrelevant but you could make a pretty good argument that all the internet has accomplished in regard to informing voters is make them stupid. 100 years ago when you had to read a paper to be informed people IMHO were MUCH better informed.
I disagree. Back then, they were more UNIFORMLY informed. They had one source for the information and while it was part lie/part truth, they were united behind it. The media was free to use the news as a way to control the public and were rarely ever questioned about such use.
We have the ability to be much more CORRECTLY informed today due to the internet, but many don't use it. I have people who have a cellphone in their pocket ask me what time it is. The internet is a valuable resource, but it all depends on how or if you use it.