I understand the instinctual cynicism that many have when they view the recent surge in retail trading. But I genuinely believe this is not only a good shift, but a needed one.

Will some people get burnt with YOLO options trades? Absolutely. But guess what, holding onto cash in a savings account is getting you burnt right now too, its just happening too slow for most to realize.

In reality, we are all traders and virtually every financial action we take (or don't take) is a trade. Doing nothing with your money is a trade. Buying a house is a trade. Investing in a 401k is a trade. Buying pokemon cards is a trade.

The fact that the current generation of high schoolers/college kids think investing and trading is cool is actually a really good thing. The world is becoming increasingly financialized and they need to understand this. The financial gatekeepers have had their fun for long enough.