Our society has changed, dramatically, in the past 30 years. We've gone from a completely disconnected society with connections spanning arm's reach to a globally connected society with connections spanning just as far. Baby sitters have been replaced with digital tablets providing endless entertainment and ensuring no person, adult or child, ever need sit with their own recreation being solely within their mind. One needs only look at the slew of digital devices whipped out at any eatery, lest individuals be left to their own thoughts for an agonizing 10 minutes.
The internet and our technology has shattered nearly all educational barriers. Getting an MIT caliber education for free is now something any child in a developing country who has access to the internet can do, if so inclined. On the other hand they can find countless entertaining drama to read or participate in, find an endless supply of porn, engage in social media and other online sites that are specifically designed for addiction, or find an array of games and other forms of fast response stimuli all designed to make him or her feel good.
Einstein constantly related his tales of meandering strolls as he pondered his work. Another individual that has managed to achieve some great things in modern science is Stephen Hawking. He's mentioned spending decades thinking intently, even if not exclusively, on singular topics. And there is absolutely every reason to believe that is in no way bluster. Given his condition, his mind is his recreation.
Is the breaking down of information barriers in our society helping more than the massive commercialization and directed addiction towards all sorts of mediums and vices along with the rapid reward systems they offer, is hurting it? It's not just high level academia that's failing. Education systems to be deteriorating at all levels with US (which is the center of much of this change) scores in math and science rapidly falling behind much of the rest of the world. Healthfulness has fallen to dangerously low levels. And more. Regression is not impossible.