Personally, I think my opinion holds limited validity due to the fact that nostr is literally my first time actively using social media, but here it goes. I believe the internet has had some responsibility for the sense of "hollowness" that we often feel around others nowadays. While you are right about the fact that the internet can be used learn, formulate, and develop new ideas, it has also made it significantly easier to spread misinformation. I don't believe we can convince people to "be more human" as you say. Refusing to go against ruling powers has proven throughout all of human history to be an effective survival strategy. A type of fight or flight response.