Now, we are back to nature vs nurture – why are different people programmed to see things differently?
There definitely is a genetic component – never mind the erev rav, almost all of us, especially among the Ashkenazim, are saddled with genes that were enforced on us by our tormentors during the worst of times. How much that has to do with present behavior, I have no idea.
The problem is with the lack of authority and supervision on the Internet. This is probably the best of the forums as far as moderation is concerned. Still, it is a forum, and some people who have little knowledge and less emunah love to post pat answers that basically have the message “Torah is not everything – go enjoy the secular world.” I understand that without debate, this board would just become a community bulletin board of the “Where do I find Paskesz Moldy Green Licorice Bites with Aspartame” variety. However, something needs to be done to squelch the shrill voices of those who are shluchei d’yetzer horo on frum platforms. Kids think that a low level of observance, combined with interest in garbage like alternative rock or grunge music, is cool – they call it “chilled” now. It isn’t cool and it isn’t “chilled” – it’s one step closer to the OTD abyss, and deep down, the troublesome OTDs know their lives are wasted and empty.
The Internet should be used to create an image of OTD as what it really is – sitting in the grimy railroad station beis kisse, smoking and drinking cheap beer, while watching the train whiz by even though you know full well you have a first-class ticket for the most direct and fastest route on that train.