LESSCHUMRAS- By the end of the 1800’s most of Western European Jews and a large and growing number of Eastern European Jews were OTD. If I’m not mistaken, there was no Internet then
it still is possible to be causing people to go off the derech now though, an added problem which didnt exist before.
. Modern kids pretty much always had access prior to the Internet through libraries, college etc. Then Internet simply made it easier. In the other communities, the Internet gave their kids access to ideas and subjects that they had been shielded from in the past
I hear that. (Im not focusing on the shmiras ainayim point, thats a different shmooze.) I think the internet (and all its social media) keeps growing in its power and publicity of ideas that dont follow a torah household, at a scary pace. It used to be you log on to aol and check your mail or whatever. Now evrything is a forum and everyone is shouting their corrupt and moraly insane stupidity, stupidities that get shoved down your throat. If you disagree with some views you are a bigot or maybe even Hitler himself.
Even if these ideas and concepts and lifestyles were familiar to youth, theres a new draw to them. A draw that packs a punch. (a strong punch.) That’s all besides the great and famous popular in style people expressing views and opinions which everyone loves to hear so much.
The classic Haskalah thing to say was “cmon bro, get in touch with reality, get with the times.” I feel this danger is out there in a larger way as well. To keep up with everyone and everything you have to share the cool views about life and the pursuit of momentary happiness or your a relic. I got more to say but gtg