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I understand why some people are critical of younger individuals online, and even those my own age. It's true that some behavior can be cringeworthy, and a desire to connect with peers your own age is completely natural. I get that, but at the same time, I also disagree with the blanket dismissal of younger people.
While it's easy to point out how some kids "ruin things," let's be honest: most of us made mistakes and were a bit messy when we were kids. As we grow up, we seek out safe spaces, trustworthy connections, and a sense of who we want to be. And yes, a kid might hyper-focus on a single aspect of their identity, like their LGBTQ+ status or a particular game, but that's often part of the process of self-discovery, especially for those who lack the freedom to explore these things in their offline lives.
Speaking from experience as someone who was taught that perfection was the only option, I can tell you that online spaces offer a crucial outlet. I'm fortunate enough to be able to tell my mom I'm bisexual and discuss my favorite games with her. But as a homeschooled "weirdo," I don't have many real-life friends to share these parts of myself with. When you find people online who truly listen to your feelings, thoughts, and opinions, and genuinely care, it's an incredibly good feeling. It makes you want to connect with others who share your experiences, whether they're trans like you and can relate to your struggles, or they love your favorite band and you can rant about their new album together.
The "New Generation" Isn't Taking Over, They're Just Living
There's a common complaint that kids are "taking over" online spaces, but what does that even mean? Every generation eventually comes of age and engages with the world in their own way. What you're seeing isn't an invasion; it's simply the new generation growing up and finding their voice. They're doing what everyone, regardless of age, ultimately wants: to find people who genuinely care about them, who listen to their thoughts, and who make them feel seen. This desire for connection isn't exclusive to one age group; it's a fundamental human need.
Some people simply need to face the fact that they're getting older, and with that comes the responsibility to not make younger generations feel hated or unwelcome. Instead of complaining about how things "used to be," it's time to recognize that the digital landscape, like society itself, is constantly evolving. These kids are navigating a world that's vastly different from the one previous generations grew up in, and they deserve understanding and a chance to thrive.
Parents: The True Culprits, Not The Kids
What truly frustrates me is the widespread disdain for kids today. While I understand the annoyance, it's often not the kids' fault. Many Gen Z and Millennial parents, at least those who chose to have children, are simply not equipped for the responsibility. They'll often shove a phone in a crying child's face and assume everything will be fine. As someone who got their first phone around age five (my mom, a Gen X-er, gave me her old, barely functional device), I can tell you that screens are incredibly addictive. Anything can become a "drug" if overused, and that responsibility lies squarely with the parents.
If you can't raise a child, don't have one. Kids aren't accessories for your aesthetic or a #Momcore photoshoot. Get off the internet, spend time with your kids, and make memories with them. It's time for adults to step up and guide the next generation, rather than blaming them for the consequences of their own inaction.
What are your thoughts on how older generations can better support younger people navigating online spaces?
Comments
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'*•.¸♡ Ethan♡¸.•*'
I agree. I didn't get my phone early or anything but my parents kept telling me to be better and when i finally got a phone (at 11) and barely working pc (at 9) and a drawing tablet (at 12) they kept taking it away so i don't "get brainwashed by the internet" or some crap like that so i have parent control on my phone and the can see a lot of things i do and i also have a screentime of 2 hours on all of my devices (except that my pc doesn't really work) amd that made me feel like my phone is a reward and now I'm kinda addicted to the point i started looking for ways to get more screentime/to trick the parent control app into having more time on here.
'*•.¸♡ Ethan♡¸.•*'
I agree. I didn't get my phone early or anything but my parents kept telling me to be better and when i finally got a phone (at 11) and barely working pc (at 9) and a drawing tablet (at 12) they kept taking it away so i don't "get brainwashed by the internet" or some crap like that so i have parent control on my phone and the can see a lot of things i do and i also have a screentime of 2 hours on all of my devices (except that my pc doesn't really work) amd that made me feel like my phone is a reward and now I'm kinda addicted to the point i started looking for ways to get more screentime/to trick the parent control app into having more time on here.
Chloe^o^
YESSS!!! I agree with this so much I see so many people blaming kids for being "annoying" and "brats" and as a kid who was often bullied by my peers and online Aswell it hurts, I will forever defend these kids online cause it's never their fault. they just want friends and people who can relate to them. I will always believe that it's the parents' faults for their children being online, so I hate seeing kids have platforms and getting made fun of when all they want is a safe space.
Chloe^o^
YESSS!!! I agree with this so much I see so many people blaming kids for being "annoying" and "brats" and as a kid who was often bullied by my peers and online Aswell it hurts, I will forever defend these kids online cause it's never their fault. they just want friends and people who can relate to them. I will always believe that it's the parents' faults for their children being online, so I hate seeing kids have platforms and getting made fun of when all they want is a safe space.
SteelStrike51
based, giving 2 kudos
ow
fr where are all the furry animation memes at
Herfst2005
I feel like the internet as a whole has also changed which makes it much harder for younger kids to find spaces online, which is how they end up in more "mature" spaces, there used to be so many (monitored) spaces specifically for kids to talk and meet and enjoy themselves in an environment specifically for them. and i feel like these have become less prevalent as time went on.
Fabrizio
True
ohnoimlateforschool
this is so well spoken
Ikr, girly/ dude/ person, is speaking truthh
by imnotzulaika; ; Report
☆◇Sirius◇☆
thank you for not blaming the kids by going "sigh.. kids these days are so spoiled... we should bring back drowning children in sulfuric acid..."
obakel0L
thanks for saying it
TRIPPZ SWRDZKID A.P.
As a kid, I've been wanting to say this about any social media my whole life, but you've said it for us all. Thanks for speaking up for those who are scared to say it
️
be6the6anomaly6
I agree. I posted a mundane blog about noticing the demographic for this site being younger than I expected. As someone who wasn't old enough to use MySpace when it was popping off (was born the year after it was launched), all I knew about its user base was that emo/scene people and musicians used it. Some minors in the comments, for whatever reason, decided to act as if I'd called them a slur or some shit for making an observation. I deleted their overly dramatic comments and will continue to do so; I will not be dogpiled by teeny boppers. Like chill, I'm trying to experience something I also was too young for at the time.
A x l 🐾🦴
I couldn’t agree more
suyu_
so true !! We can't blame kids for common errors from that age, everyone has been through this phase. Parents shouldn't just complain and scold them for their mistakes, but also offer a safe space to them so they can learn about their actions in a healthy way.
gerrinox
I agree with everything that is said here, my opinion is that every parent before making the decision to have a child, they should question whether they really want it and seek for therapy to make sure they will offer their child the best they can in order not to cause at least serious mental problems to them and make them fair individuals into the society
juli
i agree with this! even tho i find like really young kids annoying, it's honestly not their fault. i was annoying too as a kid, they're just growing
You can find younger kids annoying, I think that was the point of younger kids. To test your patience for things smaller and younger than you.
by Emmitt 🏳️⚧️🩷💚💙; ; Report
˚₊‧꒰ა keiichan ໒꒱ ‧₊˚
Real I js wanna make friends that Ik have common interests w me >.<
shinji
people just wanna make friends :0 it’s not their fault they weren’t born earlier
SUKO555
IVE BEEN TRYING TO SAY THIS THANK YOU!!