Section 28 in the UK which banned the "promotion" of homosexuality in schools fucked up a lot of kids in the 90s including me. Thankfully it was repealed.

Don't let America go that route. You'll cause more harm by restricting discussion of sexuality.

As a young teen I thought my attraction to my classmates meant I was a paedophile. It resulted in me cutting, burning and hitting myself whenever I wanked to anything gay as a form of 'DIY conversation therapy'.

I still have the scars at 40 and I only properly came out as gay at 38 after years of self hate.

All I would have needed is a person in authority like a teacher or parent to say "same sex attraction is normal" or "fancying your same sex mates doesn't make you a pedo - you may just be gay".

I know it sounds fucking dumb to hear as an adult but as a confused, angsty, pubescent teen who grew up pre-internet* it made sense that I was perverted, evil and broken.

*The internet doesn't necessarily make it easier for teens to confirm themselves. They could just as easily fall into the same mindset as me due to misinformation rather than ignorance.

"Just"

That one word has done a fuck ton of lifting over my career.

"Can't you just make it do this"

I can't "just" do anything you fuck head! It takes time and lots of effort!

Dunno about anyone else but personally: I don't care because I can't afford food each month. Worrying where your next meal comes from focusing your mind somewhat.

Sounds like the average lemmy.ml user. Very quick to criticise the west. Completely 'objective' when discussing China.

In the UK a lot of people stubbornly believe the unemployed live lives of luxury*. Not helped by reality TV shows just a decade ago like Benefits Street which showed people on social security living it large.

In reality the vast majority of people want to work.

E.g. 3 years ago I lost 2 jobs in 6 months during their respective probation periods. I'd been employed all my life and helped launch 2 successful companies in my 20s. But suddenly in 6 months my entire world view collapsed after losing two jobs.

Since then I've attempted suicide 4 times. Had 3 psychotic episodes. Self harmed and been convicted of a crime I don't even remember committing.

My probation officer has known me 3 months and is already pressuring me to start work.

Have I had help for my mental health? Have I fuck. Well, except being stuck on antidepressants that don't work. My psychosis has stopped but could start again when I'm under stress (paranoia & hearing voices).

But wait. What caused such a significant spiral? Losing my fucking job - twice!

But I'm being pushed by society and a probation officer to restart work with no mental health support or treatment. I'm being pressured into something that runs the risk of me losing the job and once again spiralling into substance abuse and suicide.

That isn't fair on the company I may eventually end up at or...and I feel guilty for saying it...me.

I feel guilty every fucking day for being on 'benefits'. I've been almost a complete shut in with no friends or family. I'm utterly fucked.

I want to work. I'd actually love to work in an office cos I wanna be around people again even though my options enable WFH. But it runs the risk of killing me via another psychotic break and no one is helping me except a 3 month waiting list for therapy.

*The UK has the worst benefits in the OECD.

He's probably worried that if he gives in then US Tesla workers will unionise.

I fucking love the EU. I wish we were still in it. 😞

Sleepy Gandalf

Peer pressure. Kids at school get the new greatest phone and tell their parents. Parents feel compelled to get it for their kids.

Didn't even think of it as a possibility. WTF would a browser need with LLM?

Here's the classic:

There's loads of photos if you search images for "reddit meetup". A sea of autistic, social outcasts with BO. It's kinda sweet 🥲

Linux is so much better than sex.