...and why not encourage to keep being like the 15 year old instead of accepting the status quo?
The only problem i see here is, apparently this "establishment" got to you faster than you could remind yourself of what's truly important to you.
I hate when people get discouraged by other people who mostly don't care that much & are afraid... they feed on your Neugier. Don't feed them. Feed other minds alike & screw the establishment.