What Do 11 Year Olds Do All Day? with Sophie and Dilan
Mar 21, 2025
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Dilan Maitreudanya, an energetic 11-year-old soccer fan with a taste for caviar, joins for a lively discussion alongside his friend Sophie. They dive into the complexities of pre-teen life, from navigating digital friendships via FaceTime to their thoughts on everything from Roblox to taxes. The duo shares their unique take on school, independence, and the importance of life skills often overlooked in education. With insights on modern friend dynamics and the pressures of childhood, their candid reflections offer a fascinating glimpse into the minds of today's kids.
Children find virtual interactions on platforms like FaceTime and Roblox more meaningful than in-person meetings, indicating a shift in socializing norms.
At age 11, kids experience a blend of childhood and adolescence, facing peer pressure while striving for independence in a complex social environment.
Today's youth are becoming increasingly financially savvy as they engage with digital economies and question the practicality of their education regarding real-world skills.
Deep dives
The Dynamics of Virtual Connections
Children today often spend time on FaceTime with friends without much conversation, leading to a sense of companionship through shared activities. This experience, especially during the pandemic, has made virtual interactions feel more genuine than in-person ones, as kids feel more present when engaging online. While online, they are actively participating in games like Roblox, which fosters a sense of togetherness even without dialogue. Such interactions highlight a new form of socializing that prioritizes connection through technology over traditional face-to-face meetings.
Navigating Independence at Age 11
At 11 years old, kids find themselves at a crossroads between childhood and adolescence, seeking more independence while still feeling like they are considered 'young'. This age brings both excitement and confusion regarding social dynamics, as peer pressure and the need to fit into friend groups become prominent. Children often feel the burden of expectations from parents, teachers, and peers while navigating their own schedules filled with sports and homework. This struggle for personal agency highlights the complexities of growing up in a multi-faceted social landscape.
Understanding Digital Economies and Monetization
Modern kids are tapping into digital economies through platforms like Roblox, where they create games and earn revenue in virtual currencies. The concept of money is evolving as children discuss investments in items like Pokémon cards, which they view more as a financial asset than simply a hobby. This new understanding extends to cryptocurrencies, with children, in some cases, having access to parental resources to invest in them. These discussions reveal how today’s youth are becoming increasingly savvy about finance and online monetization at a young age.
Challenges of Education in the Digital Age
Children express skepticism about the relevance of their current education, questioning how much of what they learn will be applicable in adulthood. They share that practical knowledge, such as understanding taxes or personal finance, is missing from their curriculum, leading them to feel unprepared for real-world challenges. This disconnect fosters a desire for more relevant and practical lessons that would guide them better as they transition into adulthood. Kids are aware of the need for education to adapt to their realities, emphasizing the importance of modernizing teaching methods.
Peer Pressure and Social Media Context
The youth today face unique pressures regarding social media and peer relationships, as they navigate the fine line between inclusivity and exclusion based on what is deemed 'cool'. While some children desire social media presence and engagement, they also recognize the drawbacks, such as the constant comparison and the drama surrounding online interactions. The impact of social media can create feelings of inadequacy among peers who lack certain online privileges. This awareness leads to deeper conversations about the role of media in shaping their identity and friendships.
Are kids more chronically online than adults? Why do they feel more connected on FaceTime than IRL? And since when was recess cancelled? Also - do they drink coffee? And fall in love? What is Roblox? Why are Pokemon cards worth anything?
11 is a wild age - where you have newfound independence, privacy and a sense of yourself. So Nayeema asked the smartest and dumbest questions she could think of to the most interesting kids she could find. She and 11 year old Sophie & Dilan tackle Roblox, the pressures of friend groups, what they wish they learned in school, and more. Also Sophie & Dilan explain why they care about… taxes?! And Nayeema discovers what kids are texting about.
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Send me your dumb questions! nayeemaraza101@gmail.com
Thanks to my partners at Omidyar Network. To learn more about the Kids Online Safety Act and other initiatives to protect kids online visit http://omidyar.com/kidsonlinesafety
