video ; un: echo

[individualized]

As is usual when I turn to this device, I have a query to ask of you.

Due to the odd prevalence of them as of late, I have found myself wondering: Why are children so juvenile? Is there any particular purpose to them or their behavior? Would it not be better for all involved to avoid this state altogether?

[She may speak in an almost deadpan manner, but it's pretty clear Echo's asking this with 100% interest and sincerity.

She gives a quick bow of her head.]

Thank you.

Comments

un: eudaimonikos; video

[eudaimonikos]

I know, right? But they can't really help it. It's like a larval stage.

[individualized]

I thought such stages were intended to aid in transformative growth. The process doesn't seem to be necessary for people as they remain roughly the same throughout their lives.

video | un: badgerlock

[listenyouidiot]

I've met plenty of grown men just as juvenile their own children, and without a child's innocence as an excuse for it.

[seated at a workbench in the little study in his cottage, Fitz's attention is mostly on some project he is working on with his hands out of view of his omni's camera. seems like he's just checking the network to give himself something else to do while carrying out the more mundane aspects of this task.]

Some creatures come into the world with all the knowledge they need to survive, but humans--if we can still be called humans--aren't one of them. Is that not how life is, where you're from?

[individualized]

Possibly. I did not fully understand everything when I left there.

I do agree that some who are considered adults have very annoying behavior as well. [Her expression noticeably darkens, which is a pretty big deal for how emotionless she usually seems. She's obviously got particular examples in mind.]

But it seems to be much more prevalent in younger individuals.

video; un: polaris

[anbaric]

In my world, there is a measurable difference between childhood and adulthood. However, a period of juvenile behaviour is common to many species with or without higher consciousness. I am not a scholar of biological studies, but the most likely explanation is that it takes time and resources for highly complex physical structures to form. In the meantime, simplistic childhood behaviours teach valuable experiences that will matter later.

[individualized]

As in they will learn to not behave that way by doing so? That seems counterproductive.

Video; UN: Godisstilldead

[in_loveless_memory]

I've met plenty of children more mature than plenty of adults.

But it's because developmentally our brains are still expanding and growing and developing thus things that allow for responsible decision making are not as developed. And there is a wide difference between intelligence and experiences that also result in a person's abilities.

There is not a single creature short of single-celled organisms that are fully developed as soon as they are born or created.

Why, were you just "created" as is, fully developed and fully capable of advanced thought?

[individualized]

Yes, there are many annoying adults...

[The frown she gets says she's definitely thinking of some she's known.]

I see. I have found that particular experiences or encounters can be very influential. It does not necessarily accompany childish behavior however.

With everything that was considered necessary for my purpose, yes.

un: hydrakeeper

[bankvault]

If I remember my lessons from school right, that juvenile behavior is how a brain grows and learns about interactions with others and their environment. Most grow out of it eventually, others do not. Most every bird and mammal goes through a similar process.

While it might be more convenient to skip over that stage, as of yet that's not actually possible for most!

[individualized]

I know from experience that growth is possible without those behaviors. But I have also seen those who have never seemed to improve.

It seems like it would benefit a species to adapt to not include that process, then.

video | un: ilikemeat (discussion of canon-typical underage drinking)

[velvet_teen]

Why don't you try it out and see if there's anything to it? That's how I found out about alcohol.

[individualized]

.....

I fail to see how that's possible or what I would learn from it. Also...why would you be trying alcohol?

video; un: ushiromiya

[entreats]

[ Does Ange kind of figure why Echo is asking this, given.. the way Echo is? Yes.

Is she still going to give a deadpan answer?

Also yes. ]

Do you just want people to be born completely grown? That's going to hurt.

[individualized]

Why would it? Most experiences can happen at any age and have similar effects.

[She's not thinking about it from that angle yet, sorry Ange.]

text | un: shithog

[foulhussy]

because their children

fucking duh

[individualized]

That is not an explanation.

video; un:rosestorm

[thunderingcourage]

Not all kids are brats, but there's nothing wrong with a kid being a kid either. It's supposed to be a time in your life when you can just have fun and anything is supposed to be possible.

[individualized]

Oh, true. Learning about "fun" is very important. I have not seen much about these behaviors that might be considered fun, however.

Video | Clickclickbloom

[earlyacceptance]

I'm not juvenile! You're juvenile!

...What does juvenile even mean?

[individualized]

Being overly silly, immature, and brash.

Actually your behavior at the moment suits the meaning quite well.

text | un: asogi

[truerevival]

Not all children are juvenile, but that's often due to being forced to mature too quickly. Either through trauma or levels of responsibility...Sometimes both.

It's necessary, we aren't born knowing all there is to know, nor are we automatically aware of social expectations...We learn through mistakes and growth.

[individualized]

I am aware that it is not always the case, but the likelihood is great enough to form a correlation. It sounds as though you are saying that a lack of childishness is seen as a negative for children.

True. I have been trying to learn throughout my existence. However, I do not think I have ever been irritating in this process.

video; un: mariathorpe

[givetheslip]

I expect it's because they are, in fact, juveniles.

[individualized]

[She just stares into the Omni quietly for several moments.]

Fair point. I am not convinced the behavior is unavoidable even if the stage of growth is not, however.

Text / un; Abigail Williams

[iaiafhtagn]

I mean, what do you think is juvenile?

[individualized]

Acting with little to no thought, behaving irreverently, being annoying, among other things.