Perceptions of Adulthood: Are 18-Year-Olds Still Considered Kids?

The Role of Experience in Shaping Views on Adulthood

The transition from adolescence to adulthood is a complex and often subjective journey. For a 49-year-old individual who runs a weekly Dungeons & Dragons game, the players aged 18 and 21 are still considered "kids." This perspective is influenced by their age and life experience, as they also view players in their mid-20s as kids because they are younger than their oldest child.

Similarly, a nearly 32-year-old who has spent years teaching and mentoring kids aged 8-18 still considers 18-year-olds as kids. This individual believes that until someone is 21 and well-adjusted, they are still in the phase of being a kid. Their experience of sometimes being the same age or older than some of their students' parents has further solidified this viewpoint. They feel a sense of duty to protect 18-year-olds rather than to befriend them.

The Complexity of Maturity at 18

A 35-year-old person emphasizes that maturity at 18 varies greatly depending on the individual. They describe 18 as the cusp between adolescence and adulthood, a time when people start learning adult responsibilities. This phase is marked by significant growth and the beginning of understanding what lies ahead. At 21, this individual had to be reminded by their mom to put the electric bill in their name, highlighting a lack of practical knowledge that is often still prevalent at this age.

Reflecting on their own experiences, this 35-year-old thought the electricity bill would be automatically registered when signing a lease, a common misconception among young adults. This anecdote underscores that the journey to full adulthood involves learning and adapting to new responsibilities over several years.

Protective Instincts and Societal Views

Someone over 30 feels that 18 is incredibly young, marking the beginning of adulthood. At 18, people often lack a clear idea of what lies ahead and are in a phase of exploration and making mistakes. This phase is also seen as a time of immense growth, where individuals start to form their ident***** and understand their place in the world.

Reflecting back, the over 30-year-old realizes how much they have learned and changed since they were 18. They find it fascinating to see the journey from being 18 to their current age, noting that the perception of 18 changes significantly as one gets older. There is a greater understanding of the growth and learning that occurs after that age, reinforcing the idea that 18-year-olds are still seen as kids by those significantly older than them.

The Gradual Process of Adulthood

The overall sentiment is that 18-year-olds are still seen as kids by those significantly older than them. There is a protective instinct towards 18-year-olds rather than viewing them as equals. The idea of adulthood at 18 is seen as a gradual process of learning and adapting over several years.

As society continues to evolve, the perception of what it means to be an adult at 18 may change. However, the current consensus among older individuals is that 18 is a time of significant growth and learning, with adulthood being a gradual process that extends well beyond this age. This perspective highlights the importance of providing guidance and support to young adults as they navigate the complexities of transitioning into full-fledged adulthood.