You have nailed it with this rant.

Society ultimately suffers because there are far too few individuals engaging in critical thinking.

As a university professor, I am saddened by how many students I encounter who have zero interest in learning to think critically.

Much of what you described parallels the life of Socrates and the Socratic method. Socrates was intent on seeking truth by challenging others and being challenged himself on core assumptions and beliefs. He welcomed such challenges and so should we all.

I recently listened to an audiobook about The Socratic Method. The author starts the book with an interesting question:

What one word summarizes the opposite of the Socratic method?

His answer: Twitter