We need to stop this belief that people have, that computers are appliances. They're not, and it's this thinking that's putting the younger generations off of learning how machines work.
In today's world, a computer is seen as an appliance
and I admit, I'm not too interested in how the programmable software portion of my washing machine or car's climate control system operates
They /are/ single use appliances
Lack of knowledge in these cases doesn't hinder me
But a computer is highly versatile and can be put to pretty much any task
Lack of knowledge here is hugely detrimental to what one is capable of achieving
Knowledge of computing needs to be seen as a core life-skill akin to basic maths or language skills
Lack of knowledge of either of those will put you at a disadvantage in almost any conceivable situation
Don't put the entire blame on schools and education
The hobbyist element is what's suffering most here, the desire to know
not the formal education side
Most people will not go into jobs where formal academic knowledge of computers is paramount
but the life-skill of knowing /how/ to find out a solution to a common problem is essential to everybody
It's Apple, and other companies trying to follow suit, that are largely responsible for the erosion of such curious tinkering
"The battery's non-replaceable. Don't worry, if it dies return it to us and we'll send you another device"
"You can only install programs we endorse. Don't worry, this is for your safety"
"That's the wrong way to do something. This is the way we do it, and it should be the way you do too"
"Don't ask questions. Just do what we tell you and it'll /just work/"