First, I was an early adopter of online communities and social networking as a teenager, long before most adults fully understood how these platforms would shape behavior, identity, and relationships. The internet was new, exciting, and largely unregulated. Like many kids of my generation, I was immediately drawn to the stimulation and novelty of digital entertainment. Even simple video games—like the original Mario Brothers—could be incredibly absorbing, and I began to see how easily technology could capture attention and become all-consuming.

But beyond games, I also encountered the confusing and sometimes dangerous side of early internet culture. As a teenager exploring AOL chat rooms, I interacted with adults in spaces that were clearly not designed with young users’ safety in mind. I was sent lavish gifts and encouraged to exchange photos and letters through the mail, all under the guise of friendly online conversations. At the time, it felt exciting and flattering. Looking back now as an adult—and as a parent—I recognize how inappropriate and unsafe those interactions truly were.

What struck me most was that my parents sensed something was wrong, yet the internet was so new that they struggled to explain exactly why these situations were dangerous. There were no clear guidelines, no parental controls, and very little public awareness about the risks young people faced online. That experience left a lasting impression on me. I saw firsthand how quickly technology could blur boundaries, influence behavior, and place young people in situations they were not developmentally prepared to navigate.