is it just me or does it feel like people, especially teens and kids, lack empathy nowadays? and also common sense. and critical thinking skills. and reading comprehension (people think that if an author writes about controversial topics in fiction, that actually means they are okay with it happening irl. wtf?). did the pandemic fuck us up that badly?? i know online school did a number on kids intelligence-wise, but empathy too?? maybe it's a mix of parents not parenting and constant exposure to the internet. i know i'd be totally different from who i am now if i grew up as an ipad baby. i know there are good parents and teachers and other positive influences out there, but it still scares me to imagine what future generations beyond the current youngest one will be like.