gotta invent something to be irate about, so you don't start getting irate about something inconvenient like shit wages and expensive food

It's called being in denial. You used to be in, and now you're not. Some people's personality was built around the concept of being in, so that crumbles when they can no longer keep up.

I’ve got an easy answer for myself: it’s fun and completely harmless. New words to express myself and laugh with friends is a cool part of self expression and independence as a living being

In my case, playing multiplayer games inevitably means playing with multiple age groups. Knowing what people are saying is important. I'm sure parents also have good reason to keep up.

Especially when it's the difference between knowing when they're using innocent terms, versus when they're being little shits and think adults won't know.

Some people enjoy being able to converse with kids and understand what meaning they are trying to convey, especially if the kids speak mostly or only in slang they do not understand.

Parents, teachers, counselors, sports coaches... etc.

Not trying to impress anyone, just trying to be good at their roles/jobs, that involve regular communication with children.

I have niblings, and I like to connect with them, they’re rad people.

Edit: Downvoted. I’ll take one guess as to why.