So this is just a thought I had a few hours ago. As far as I can tell, from the members who're active these days, everyone seems to be at least over 20. I know that teens use forums, not nearly as much as popular social media apps, but more than, say, email. And AF certainly isn't a dead forum. So why aren't kids coming here?
As far as I can tell, there are two main types of atheists here: Those who are comfortable with atheism and just want to get to know the people here (while still contributing to topics regarding belief too), and those who have a lot to ask about, talk about, debate about, etc regarding atheism. (Oh and a third type who're just here to fight.    ) 
I also noticed that most of you born into religious families were only beginning to doubt religion at this point, the transition happened much later. So maybe that explains why the religious kids turned atheists aren't here. But what about those born into atheist families? Is atheism simply such a fact of life for them that posting on a forum about it simply doesn't occur to them? Is it akin to a forum about breathing for them? That seems far too far fetched, because even kids in atheist families must know they're a minority, surely. 

So then why, the question remains, are there no kids on AF? The only possible explanation, then, is that you dramatic band of heathens have scared them all off. Except for me. But I mean, the fact that I'm the last remaining member of an otherwise extinct species speaks mounds about my balls anyways. 

No but seriously, thoughts?

More likely to be on FB, Twitter, or engaged in hormone driven activities?

(July 25, 2018 at 1:34 pm)DodosAreDead Wrote: As far as I can tell, there are two main types of atheists here: Those who are comfortable with atheism and just want to get to know the people here (while still contributing to topics regarding belief too), and those who have a lot to ask about, talk about, debate about, etc regarding atheism. (Oh and a third type who're just here to fight.    )

That seems one valid way to divide us up. But amongst those who are comfortable with their atheism, some are land locked in the bible belt. So this becomes a peer space for people who don't feel part of what animates the church goers in their own neighborhoods.

That isn't me since the odds are in my favor that anyone I talk to in Berkeley will be an atheist, though not all of course. I taught kids math who are only a bit younger than you and I avoided discussing religion for the sake of the minority believers. Those poor guys have it rough enough. *shudders*

(July 25, 2018 at 1:34 pm)DodosAreDead Wrote:  
I also noticed that most of you born into religious families were only beginning to doubt religion at this point, the transition happened much later. So maybe that explains why the religious kids turned atheists aren't here. But what about those born into atheist families?

Reasons will vary of course but my own stepson (six years old when his mom and I got together) was raised without religion but has gone very strongly in that direction. He is almost 42 now. *Dodo reels in horror* He has become a priest of some kind in a group associated with the Brazilian guy who slices people open in trance and calls himself John of God. So he isn't here as an atheist because he isn't one. He is an engineer so he knows something about the empirical world but he obviously requires a bit of woo in his life too.

(July 25, 2018 at 1:34 pm)DodosAreDead Wrote: Is atheism simply such a fact of life for them that posting on a forum about it simply doesn't occur to them? Is it akin to a forum about breathing for them? That seems far too far fetched, because even kids in atheist families must know they're a minority, surely.

Maybe my stepson's beliefs represent a kind of rebellion toward our status quo. But who knows? His mother, my wife, has never been religious but she wouldn't come here because she can't imagine there is anything of interest to say or hear about religion. But she likes it when I share the occasional morsel with her.

(July 25, 2018 at 1:34 pm)DodosAreDead Wrote: So then why, the question remains, are there no kids on AF? The only possible explanation, then, is that you dramatic band of heathens have scared them all off. Except for me. But I mean, the fact that I'm the last remaining member of an otherwise extinct species speaks mounds about my balls anyways. 

No but seriously, thoughts?

You aren't the first but I suspect in most cases people just get busy in their lives soon after your age. The long timers seem mostly to be grizzled, retired old geezers like me or else have a circumstance that gives them more time for the internet more often. (Some design stuff for computers and volunteer to help manage the place.) Have you met Joods? Her son used to hang out for a while.

Personally I'm glad to know a person as young as you who has ideas they're willing to share in this format.

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(July 25, 2018 at 1:56 pm)The Valkyrie Wrote: More likely to be on FB, Twitter, or engaged in hormone driven activities?

Ahh .. hormones.  Good times, for sure.

I suspect the answer is that we're simply not the cool kids who are hanging out on 4chan and reddit. Welcome to boringville!

Pretty good analysis!

Personally, here in England, religion is dead in the water. I only relatively recently became aware of the amount of shocking harm religion caused worldwide, and how hard atheists have it in other countries. (I've lead a sheltered life.) I wanted to speak out, to meet other atheists and support those in much harder situations.

I think the comments about social media are probably accurate. I find that shit tiresome, having not grown up with it. We have had a few teens here, but not many.

(July 25, 2018 at 2:33 pm)Jörmungandr Wrote: I suspect the answer is that we're simply not the cool kids who are hanging out on 4chan and reddit. Welcome to boringville!

And, of course, we sacrifice teens here to the Dark One.

(July 25, 2018 at 1:56 pm)The Valkyrie Wrote: More likely to be on FB, Twitter, or engaged in hormone driven activities?

(my bold)

Who says you have to be a teen for that?

When I was a teen, I didn't really care about religion or a lack thereof. I don't care much more now, but I had better things to do then. By better, I mean nefarious things from which it took decades to recover.

Chris Hansen told us to stay away from kids, so they aren't allowed here anymore.

Quote:Why are there barely any teens on AF?

They are probably afraid that there are pedo priests lurking about.