The article examines changes in the sphere of Russian education as a result of the reform of education and the consequences of the use of audiovisual means of mass communication (especially television and the Internet) that foster the formation of consumerist media thinking in school and college students. That kind of thinking carries the threat of the intellectual and social degradation of society. In order for science, the arts, and morality to exist and develop, society will have to be able to retain a "critical mass" of its members who are intelligent, thoroughly educated, concerned, and seekers after truth. In addition, it is essential that the others have an attitude of respect and understanding for the efforts of those who "burn with the fire of truth."