Yes, I agree with it being more genuine. Everyone was trying to figure out what the Internet meant and what you could do. It really felt like trekking into the unknown! I loved stumbling upon random websites, the flash games, the websites here and there, the blogs, the niche forums… I feel like the rise of social media and companies and the fact that companies figured out the people themselves were the product ruined a part of it somehow. I wish you good luck in incorporating that sense of adventure to your kids - I know it’s not easy with all the dangers online and outside. But the fact you’re trying to do that despite all is already so awesome.
I personally wish there were more communities - it’s kind of difficult for me to navigate at times when looking for communities especially if they exist in another instance, but otherwise, I have definitely replaced Reddit with this site. I just lurk on Reddit now, don’t upvote or downvote, and just read some stuff that I can’t find over here on my desktop, but here - I am actively engaging. It does feel more chill, and kind of reminds me of Old Internet somehow and I really like how so many people are coming together too to fix bugs and improve the QOL.