Black Hat Exploits of the Stupid-Easy ‘80s

I’m not saying there was no computer security in the 1980s but, Wait... Yes. Yes, I am.

There is this part of your brain called your prefrontal cortex that apparently does not fully develop until you are in your 20’s. This area is responsible for things like planning, determining the consequences of actions, solving problems, and impulse control. Since it really is not fully up and running when you are a teenager, your brain substitutes another area called the amygdala, associated with emotions, impulses, aggression, and instinctive behavior.

I don’t know how much of it is simplified pop science, and how much is verifiably known to be the cause of various teenage behaviors. I sure hope it is true though, because it would give me a good excuse for some of the truly dumb stuff I did when I was a teen in the late 70’s and early 80's.

I cannot come close to claiming the title of dumbest teen decision-maker, to be clear. My nerddom back then kind of acted like a prophylactic, protecting me from many dangers like drunk-driving, unhealthy use of controlled substances, and hurting anyone or getting anyone pregnant. (And sadly, was also the only kind of prophylactic I would have had the need for in those years.)