Is it impossible to get people to think?

With all the news that comes into my email box, facebook page & over the lame stream media I have to ask this question.
Do you believe that as long as government can stimulate the irrational in people; government can continue to do as they please? So every time you forward a piece of lame stream media news, ask yourself am I helping myself,(does it make me feel good); the people or them the government?