One possible, very sad long-term effect could be that the Sciences (results, theories) will be deemed less relevant, less trustworth, less worthy of attention. Eg. I started a Phd in Physics, but I never finished it, I got disillusioned with Academia and some specifics in today's Physics research (like String Theory, Inflation). 5 years later, people are still beating on those drums, and whenever I read about some crazy new model, I think two thoughts: (i) nonsense (ii) I'm so happy I'm not spending my time on this.