Honest questions deserve honest answers. First, I am coming from a US-centric position (the article dealt with that, I am from the US, and the my response deals specifically with that culture... though Canadians likely would benefit from it too). As to education and degrees, there is a HUGE divergence in the types of degrees that are worth the money, and those which act more as institutional pyramid schemes. This distinction is well known on the example advice channel I recommended, but largely absent from mainstream culture.

As to what qualifies as mainstream culture, before the internet it was a clear delineation (based on broadcast and print), now there are perhaps tiers (and that's a broader conversation). One thing to note is that the more direct influence that institutional power has via gatekeeping (by directly promoting ideas through things like textbook publishers or narrowing discussion via tech censorship policies) the more the area caters to the desires of those in power, rather than those using / consuming the service. I steer clear of reddit myself because several times in the past when areas have become too divergent from "acceptable narrative" they have been closed down.

There's plenty more that could be said on this topic, but that would likely require a book on epistemology. Hope that answered your questions about my intentions and views at least.