To be clear, we need to divide the world into more than just two simplistic categories; kids and adults. Instead we'll divide the world into five simplistic categories:
- Young kids: 5-13
- Older Kids: 13-18
- Young adults: 18-20 something, possibly even into early thirties depending on level of maturity
- Mature adults: 30+
- Old people: 60+
1. Young Kids
YK's hardly ever go off the derech. I just can't imagine it. They are too young, too sheltered, too much under Mom & Dad's control. Very occasionally you might find a young kid with some serious issues, but that is very rare and not really relevant to our discussion.
2. Older Kids
There is definitely a phenomenon of OKs going OTD. Most of these are probably going OTD because of emotional issues, not intellectual issues. Why is this? I think the answer is obvious. OJ OKs have been heavily brainwashed (educated) from birth. They have (ideally) been sheltered from all bad influences, and exist within an OJ context. To have intellectual doubts and convictions strong enough to go OTD at this age, if otherwise happy and well adjusted, is very rare (though it does happen). Instead, most OTD OKs are kids with emotional issues who are 'acting out' in many ways - drugs, crime etc. Going OTD is just another great way to rebel and cause trouble. Plus, you get to fulfil more of your taavos.
3. Young Adults
In this category I think you will find a mix. There will be some people going OTD because they are trying to justify their taavos. However there are definitely people in this category who have intellectually and honestly investigated things and are going off for intellectual reasons.
4. Mature Adults
I would argue that most people in this category are going OTD for intellectual reasons. They are not messed up or into taavos, rather they have escaped their childhood brainwashing and can make an objective decision. Also, the more life experience they have they more they realize what's what.
5. Old People
If someone reaches older age, and then goes OTD, this is a bit strange. Most likely it is because of some life event which turned them off, rather than a sudden revelation of the truth. Do older people even go OTD?
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