I think most kids back then, just like most kids today, weren't/aren't super into computers or hacking. But the young teens I've met who do enjoy this stuff are

I think most kids back then, just like most kids today, weren't/aren't super into computers or hacking. But the young teens I've met who do enjoy this stuff are seriously impressive -- some know rust, or machine learning, or build websites or reverse engineer apps. During the pandemic, high schoolers are figuring out ways to bypass their schools' surveillance software. That is to say, the kids are alright. Modern docs, youtube tutorials, and high quality free courses are much more conducive to learning than the forums, mailing lists, and library books of yore.