> Do I just miss the freedom of childhood?

I loathed my childhood, and have far more freedom as an adult then I ever did then.

School, homework, chores, strict bedtime, dial-up Internet, shared desktop computers...

Yes, I spent a ton of time playing games, compiling the Linux kernel, and screwing around on the Internet back then. But outside of summer vacation (which I do miss dearly), I spend just as much or more online today as then.

I absolutely do miss the old Internet, not just that time period.

But, there's bright spots in the modern Internet too. The rise of online D&D via Discord during the pandemic was amazing. I play far more D&D thesedays then I ever did since the 90s. Discord also scratches the MUD/IRC itch. But, not sure Discord will survive the next decade either.