Final answer:
The internet has not led to a better-informed citizenry or increased voter turnout because of information saturation, selective exposure to content, and a discrepancy between the pace of technological evolution and societal adaptability.
Step-by-step explanation:
The anticipated rise in voter turnout due to the ease of access to information on the internet, according to the theory of rational ignorance, hasn't materialized because of several factors. Firstly, the saturation of information can lead to public disengagement, as viewers may choose entertainment over news, leading to decreased viewership of politically relevant programs like the presidential State of the Union address.
Secondly, although the internet provides channels for cheaper and targeted political messaging, thereby increasing the potential for informed citizenry, this has not necessarily translated into higher voter turnout as the primary audience online tends to be younger, more educated, and not representative of the entire voting population. Lastly, the rapid evolution of technology has surpassed society's ability to comprehend and use it judiciously, which presents challenges for informed decision-making on technological issues.