There are so many different reasons that this happens but I won't talk about the ones that were discussed already.

There is sometimes a hive mentality that you end up hating/disliking something just because others do. There is also the direct opposite of that where you feel compelled to like the specific thing that is hated by the larger group either to be a devil's advocate, just to be a contrarian or because you genuinely like it and aren't affected by outside influence of wanting to fit in with the hive mind.

We criticise because some things we don't like or agree with.

We criticise because people are dumb.

That's sounds like something someone would say in a John Hughes movie. I can't tell if you are serious or not, or giving a stock answer. Sorry, but I don't buy none of it. If you choose to be in a "social group" I hate to inform you but you're not asserting you're pal, you are just following the crowd. Rebelling against their parents through fashion? What does that entail? Acting snotty to mom as she takes you out to Walmart to buy you new clothes. Politics? Kids don't do their homework, I can't imagine them brushing up on politics to find the potential candidates that they might vote on in four years. When it comes to politics teenagers are like Chula, "CNN told me not to like the president, so I don't." Not much thought going on there. But just to be fair teens and young adults do watch talking heads on YouTube give their opinion on political issues. So there might be a fraction that are more political minded then others. Sorry I brought up CNN that is like scrapping the bottom of the barrel. I should stop. I don't want to sound critical in a "Why do we criticize?" thread.

Your point was weak but good job throwing in the Chula dis.

Now it's going to be "Oh no! He did a Chula! How could he?" :laughing:

I thought my point was really strong and Chula dis was weak, but it had to be cause I was afraid he would go Full Metal Jacket on me like he does Frownland.

All I know is he gets really upset when you make fun of nutjobs.

This entire post is trash. I know it has been a long time since you were a teen but you are so off base it isn't even funny.

I can't tell if this is a troll post or just a stupid post.