Listening to what their interests are is a good way to connect with much younger (or much older!) people. I’ll happily listen to a kid explain Fortnite to me, or my to grandpa talk about his favourite TV show. I’ll ask them some questions about it and get a conversation going.
I’m an old coot, I know some names like something paul, mr beast or pewdiepie, from when I was on reddit years ago, I know those guys are “youtuber” because I saw the thumbnail, but I have no clue what they do or what they speak of or why they would be famous?!? I don’t watch youtube, first because comments are toxics, it takes too much time, who spent hours listening/watching some rants by some guy in his basement?!? I’m like an out of touch skinner :)
From what i can tell, YT comments have actually improved over the years. Still plenty of garbage, but it’s bearable and there is some real discussion sometimes now.
I mean, are they materially worse than Paris Hilton and Kimberly Kardashian? Or the Jersey Shore crowd? I’m not here to judge.
But I didn’t really follow them when I was age-appropriate to care about that shit, anyway. Was too busy reading blogs about the newest feature list of an up-and-coming MMORPG or tearing through the latest edition of my favorite TTRPG, because I was focused on what truly mattered.
At some point, its not an age thing, its just a taste thing. I could probably name more web comix artists and indie board games than C-list celebrities and Reality TV shows, and that’s fine.
Why even care about those “celebrities”? Stuff they do is usually mediocre at best anyways.
Listening to what their interests are is a good way to connect with much younger (or much older!) people. I’ll happily listen to a kid explain Fortnite to me, or my to grandpa talk about his favourite TV show. I’ll ask them some questions about it and get a conversation going.
It’s not about caring, it’s just about even knowing what business they’re in.
I’m an old coot, I know some names like something paul, mr beast or pewdiepie, from when I was on reddit years ago, I know those guys are “youtuber” because I saw the thumbnail, but I have no clue what they do or what they speak of or why they would be famous?!? I don’t watch youtube, first because comments are toxics, it takes too much time, who spent hours listening/watching some rants by some guy in his basement?!? I’m like an out of touch skinner :)
From what i can tell, YT comments have actually improved over the years. Still plenty of garbage, but it’s bearable and there is some real discussion sometimes now.
Bot spam is now backed by LLM technology
Youtubers are different than movie, music, and tv stars.
I’m old school too though, i could be wrong at this point.
Makes sense from that POV, I guess. Although I’d probably rather talk about hobbies and stuff instead
You can do all of the above.
I mean, are they materially worse than Paris Hilton and Kimberly Kardashian? Or the Jersey Shore crowd? I’m not here to judge.
But I didn’t really follow them when I was age-appropriate to care about that shit, anyway. Was too busy reading blogs about the newest feature list of an up-and-coming MMORPG or tearing through the latest edition of my favorite TTRPG, because I was focused on what truly mattered.
At some point, its not an age thing, its just a taste thing. I could probably name more web comix artists and indie board games than C-list celebrities and Reality TV shows, and that’s fine.