I think you're right, sans the bit about human nature. Traditionally influence is a function of understanding and wisdom, and that is a function of time and years.

The internet changed that.

Now it's a function of perceived popularity and perceived influence. That has become a (cheap?) proxy. It's not the person per se, but the "social proof" attached to that person.

We've been trained to use quantity instead of quality. Is that human nature?

Attacted to a pretty face? Yes. That is human nature.