> I can see where you're coming from, but let's be real, those IRC and game chat rooms were far from well run or safe for minors, and made no to minimal efforts to keep minors out. Most still don't.

I wouldn't be here if not for those!

I grew up in a conservative town with little exposure to outside ideas and my parents were overly protective. The early internet sans filters and "filter bubble" algorithms gave me much needed perspective on the world.

IRC and forums were fundamentally a part of shaping who I am today.