Computer UI design is what is being discussed; not really pre-internet media.

What happened is that pro tools became available to unskilled, untalented, and unseasoned amateurs around 2000. I think what's being criticized is the "web 2.0" trend that arose when every nincompoop with cracked copies of Adobe/Macromedia Suite(s) could produce and publish trash, as became sooooo easy and cheap. Whereas prior to this shift in technology, design had to be well-conceived and intentional because proofing and publishing was an expensive barrier to tom-fuckery by hobbyists.

e: spel