For one, life was much more violent. A kid of low status, nerdy, or kind of weird (like me) could expect physical violence weekly, if not daily. Second, parents, and adults in general, were out of the picture. I actually suspect that some parents would even enable or encourage the conflict. And, then, we lacked social support networks like kids have today today.

Kids then were still as bored as they are now. But, instead of being able to use video games and apps to get their dopamine rush, they had to rely on causing trouble (which likely contributed to the increased violence) or risky decisions. Finally, there was no where place to escape to. There were no other social options. Kids today are at least able to socialize, gather, and meet online. For instance, I'm amazed to learn about how my nieces and nephews form large social communities of friends on-line. They have rich social lives, even though some of their closest friends are scattered around the globe.

Maybe my perspective is skewed. But, if you think I'm exaggerating, at least watch a bunch of films from that period. Maybe you'll know what I mean.

I honestly expected to read this post and sympathize. But, instead, as I read the descriptions of the kids of today, I felt ashamed that I actually felt a little jealous.