It began to change with the advent of television. After that it became more important to look and perform well on camera.

Prior to that, you had to speak well and think rationally. Your arguments could be picked apart while people read the newspapers at barber shops, socials, or quilting bees. Families could and did discuss what was in the paper after the evening meal while everyone was unwinding.

Television is quasihypnotic. People discuss what they consume with others much less on average.

Social media could have changed that, but echo chambers negated the opportunity.