Why do these 18 to 21 kids act so intelligent in politics and everything?

"Act" is right. They parrot what they hear in their peer bubble / echo chamber and think they are well informed. Then so armed, they confidently take down anyone with more considered opposing views and if challenged, talk about being silenced, denied their rights and pressured by the patriarchy.

They’re at the age where they care a lot about things and have the energy to learn about them and form strong opinions and they are young enough to get a buzz out of it.
When I try to care about stuff it just makes me sad and tired.