GoGuardian is Ruining My Life

 

(More like NoGuardian...)

Yes, the title is hyperbole, but this is a blog, so I'm going to use hyperbole all I want.

So, junior year began, and I'm already stressed beyond belief, I'm not even gonna sugarcoat it. I mean, it's not like there is no hope- some of the classes are cool and there's some clubs I'm considering, but just, as a whole...it's so much at once, and I need to organize it all.

There's a good chance I might make a future post discussing how I've been trying to do that, but for now, I just want to make a quick rant post about this annoying software (some suspect even spyware) that has made using my Chromebook harder than it needs to be: GoGuardian.

Basically, GoGuardian is a software that is designed to stop students from using inappropriate websites or getting distracted on their school devices. Simple in concept, and one that is needed for student safety. However, I feel there's a stunning lack of control between what is "inappropriate" and actually "educational". Here's some of my experiences with websites GoGuardian has blocked (and why some are preposterous):

First of all, most game or "fun" websites are no longer available. Stuff like Scratch, Pixilart, and the ionic CoolMathGames are gone. And I'm not saying students should be playing these in class, but I feel kinda bad they get banned entirely. What if class ends early or a student wants to play outside of class?

That's another thing to bring up- Go Guardian works REGARDLESS if your using your Chromebook in school or at home. Which is a problem because at home, I theoretically SHOULD be able to use the websites, NO teacher is there to monitor to me! (Again, not saying I should, that's more of a self-control discussion, but still, GoGuardian limits how much students can use Chromebooks in and OUT of school.)

And this brings up my 3rd point, which is probably the one I'm most concerned with- the fact GoGuardian blocks websites I need to use for school, like educational websites. So far, I've seen BrainPOP, Mathisfun, and CoolMath are no longer available. (When I say "CoolMath", I mean the original website that taught algebra before the games came out.) These websites helped me with topic review, especially in math, but now I can't use them...even though BrainPOP is attached to CLEVER!

It also blocked websites teachers wanted me to go to. For example, in Forensics, I couldn't go on the website for our first assignment, where I would find the answer to my puzzle. Another example is in Spanish, there's this website they wanted me to use called Conjugemos, to study my verbs, and I couldn't use it outside of class. And in Journalism, for the first few weeks, Basecamp was blocked! The website my teacher and classmates have to use in order to work on our projects! You can't make this up!

This brings me to one last website GoGuardian has blocked, and the one that caught my attention the most-...YouTube. Yep, all those easy-to-access educational videos I need to watch? Can't. Calming studying music I can use after school? Can't. Even if I'm outside of school, just want to chill on my Chromebook after finishing my work? Can't. *sigh* YT man...I'll miss using it on my Chromebook.

I will say, at least most of these websites can be unblocked by the teacher when your in class. And as I implied, Basecamp would be unblocked completely by the technicians, so thankfully our projects are still in action!...Unthankfully, they still won't allow us to email students on our student accounts, so...*sigh* there will be some trials and tribulations this first month of school.

And hey, we need to consider GoGuardian only affects our CHROMEBOOKS. My phone is still in my pocket, and I can still use it...during lunch and after school. I should add, the new phone policy says if we're caught with our phone at any point during a class, it's taken away for the rest of the day. Not much I can argue about that since I have been trying to use my phone less regardless.

Still thoguh, GoGuardian is...something else, and as I put it earlier, it's making Chromebooks a bit harder to use now. But at least it is keeping students on tract and not distracted!...most of the time. I mean, only if the teacher is actually monitoring them...

So yeah, that's my little rant about GoGuardian, and if you have to deal with GoGuardian as well, tell me how you feel about it. This post was obviously hyperbole at times, but GoGuardian still can be a pet peeve, and I don't really know how effective it is. But I'll probably get used to it anyway. My school has introduced a lot of strange policies, like the late policy, but I have been getting used to them. 

That's all. See you on my next post!

- ninesevenpotatoes, 2026.

Self-Reflection (Beginning of August Update)

August has begun, so I think it’s about time I go on an update on where I’ve been mentally, and what I hope for this last month. Im going to try my best to keep this coherent since I have a bad habit of making these things pretty unsorted when I don’t think thoroughly. I’m going to start with this thought, which I’m going to (loosely) try and answer by the end: I’m human. And a teenager, I need to accept both of those facts. So why exactly is it so hard for me to accept that?

WHERE I AM WORK-WISE 

It’s probably best if I start with concrete things, such as my reading goal, First of all, I unfortunately have to admit I didn’t finish WOBW, despite being close to the end. I think I just tuned it out because I started it when school was still in session. I might finish it one day, and I still have to say, it’s a great book. I also already finished the Unteachables. And just today, I finished AGGGTM, my Summer reading book. It was also spectacular mystery book, and Im glad I chose to read it for school. I’m also almost done with said assignment for that, so schoolwork in general can now be on the back burner…until the 26th.

I’m going to try and find one more book to read this summer- probably a shorter one (<250) since AGGGTM was nearly 400 pages long! (It took me a month.) If you have any suggestions please feel free to tell me.

ART FIGHT

That’s for school work. For personal work, like art and animation, here’s where I am. First of all, still no new laptop…might take this entire year for it, but I’m willing to wait. Also, Art Fight was great. I did run into some burnout in the end (and I’ll elaborate more on that later), but I was able to make 45 attacks, all I put great effort into. I also received around 35 defenses, all from talented artists and friends that I’m super grateful for. I obviously couldn’t do everything this year, but that is because I’m a teenager who works by himself. And hey, there’s always next year. I bet 17 year old me is going to be even better than me right now! In…a lot of aspects hopefully, not just art. 

MY GAME

I unfortunately can’t speak much about this one, because I haven’t announced it, but I have been adamantly working on this passion project for most of this summer, and I’m at a great point at it right now, and a good friend of mine is helping a lot. I am slowing down a bit on it right now- not for burnout, but to prevent burnout. After all, with a whole month of summer left, I don’t want to be doing the same thing every day on it. Now we can get into some more personal and subjective stuff relating to my mental status and some goals for myself.

I BEGAN OFF AUGUST PRETTY STUPID

Ok, before I can elaborate on that headline, you need to understand basically I let one of my biggest flaws take over again: my inability to shut my mouth and think things through. The thing is, I’m smart. I’m going to be blunt, I think of myself as smart. At least, book smart however. When it comes to emotional intelligence, things can go awry. I’m scared to admit that at times I can come across as impulsive or childish, but it’s true. I want to better regulate my emotions, by thinking things through and having a better sense of empathy. When I do think those things through, I can be emotionally mature and respectful. When I don’t and I let that immature side of me push through common sense, that’s when I mess up. I think this quality is more prominent online because I can forget these are real people, not just profile pictures. That’s an important lesson in general- online life is still life. And it should NOT take over my life.

Anyway, now that you know about that, I still need to explain that headline. What happened is that I said something pretty insensitive because of a petty detail only I would care about. I deleted the message once I was admonished for it, but I couldn’t help but reflect on that and think “Hm. Dumping all your angry feelings like that over petty things probably isn’t healthy for your emotional wellbeing.” So guess what I did? I ranted about my toxic traits to (REDACTED WEBSITE)…the exact same thing I was worrying about. If I’m being honest I don’t even fully remember what I posted even though it was like, 2 days ago, but it’s probably for the best I don’t because I remember feeling ashamed seeing the first comment on it, although I deserved it. I decided to log off, and I’ll probably delete that post in future for my dignity (although I am debating on if that’d be cowardly), but for now, I should forget that and instead focus on what else happened.

[UPDATE, 8/5 - I just decided it'd be best for my dignity if I DID delete the post! Initially I worried it'd cowardly, and I do feel a bit shameful, but I've come to realize there's no point feeling the guilt I put in that rather childish post anyway. I need to move on and find better emotional sources for myself regardless. Usually it's best just to clear up your digital footprint.]

I remember after that I just had the most unhinged rant to my friends in (OTHER REDACTED WEBSITE) and after that, I realized again- maybe this dependency on others knowing my victim mentality isn’t healthy. So I decided to log off (ORD) as well. And now I’m making a commitment- I’m going to try and avoid (ORD) in general until Friday or Saturday. (For reference, I’m writing this on Monday, it’ll probably release on Tuesday) While I know it’s healthy to be emotionally vulnerable at times, I think during that meltdown I forgot it’s unhealthy to be emotionally vulnerable to the point you just embarrass yourself. In fact I think a while ago I gave my friend advice “the internet and anger usually don’t mix.” I really have to stop forgetting my own moral values.

MY GENERAL GOALS

Ok, venting over, what else do I want to do for my emotional and mental wellbeing? First of all, I want to loathe myself a lot less. Despite everything I just ranted about, I also remember if I don’t have faith in myself and continue my victim mentality, then I will get no where regardless, going against my want for self improvement. 

I remember in my rant I mistakenly said “I don’t think I can get rid of my toxic traits”- which…just SCREAMS fixed mindset. And I think I tricked myself into thinking I was showing a growth mindset because I also added “I can mitigate them”- which is true, but thinking I can’t rid them in general is just stupid. I wasn’t born with these traits. And I think mitigating them and getting rid of them are actually the same thing. We all inherently have traits like being selfish or hypocritical- but when we don’t indulge in them and instead focus on growing our positive traits, that mitigates them- almost making it seem like they aren’t there. Sure, they could pop up once in a while, but as long as it’s not a pattern and just honest mistakes, than that’s ok.

So what steps will I actually take to improve this and be more mindful? The most obvious one would be decreasing my internet time and using said time wisely. I feel like I should indulge myself into more positive or constructive content that helps me mentally, from YTbers like Psych2Go, Kiana Docherty, or . (Even maybe..Jonochrome. Kinda.) After all, if I hear more positivity, I’m more likely to spout more positivity, and decrease my chance of letting incidents like I mentioned earlier happening.

It also means I’ll be trying to watch less YT, and instead watch more stuff I can enjoy…I’ve been getting really into ATLA for instance, and I think at the rate I’m going I’ll be able to be partway through Chapter 2 by the end of Summer. This also ties back into what I said about taking a full break from that website. I want to be less dependent on social media in general, and appreciate the beauty of being by myself…and touching grass. 

For other things I plan on doing, I think I’m gonna remind myself to make more blog posts and journal more. After all, if I don’t find an outlet for my emotions in the first place, they’re just going to take over again. I will also try to talk to my friends more in general…my real friends, not just my online friends. I think I forgot what human interaction was and why we value it. 

I’m probably going to be seeking other sources to be more mindful of my surroundings and aware of my temperament. I want to indulge in more feelings of being proud and satisfied. No one wants to be bitter and ungrateful. This also ties into me trying to overthink less and stop being such a perfectionist when it comes to my work. Sometimes you just…have to do it, and accept what you can do and can’t do as long as it’s your best effort. If you force yourself to not accept that and just want more of yourself and others- you’ll never be satisified and downright miserable. I’m gonna remind myself that more…Take your time and enjoy yourself. Maybe I’ll write this down and place it on my wall!

[SECOND UPDATE- Another goal I had to distance myself online in general was to do chores, like clean and sort dishes. It was therapeutic.]

PERSONALITY TEST

Yknow I talk a lot about emotions taking over in this post. This ties into something that happened shortly after that meltdown- I decided to retake the Myers Brigges personality test. For the longest time, it told me I was INTP-T. Like, since 7th grade. But my latest test…said I was INFP-T. Had I actually shifted my personality that much? Everything remained the same…except I went from prioritizing thinking to emotional reasoning. To be fair it was only by like, 3%, and I might’ve been biased in the moment, but I still find it interesting. And it’s probably why most of my issues do center around my emotional regulation in general. But that was an issue I had when I was an INTP to…I don’t know, I have to admit I don’t always have the answer. 

But I can accept that I was born me. I became me. And I need to accept me. Warts and all. I don’t have to let who I worry I could be dictate me. I keep telling myself I will be better, so it’s time I start taking proper steps to be better. Even small steps, like being thorough with my emotions and remembering to go outside can help me in the long run. It’s probably a good thing I get control of myself this August especially- because schools around the corner and I’m gonna need to remember who I am before I lose myself forever, and become the monster I never wanted to be.

CONCLUSION

This is getting long, so I think I’ll wrap it up here. I’m not expecting any advice (in fact I just shouldn’t expect a lot in general), but if you did bother to read through these angst thoughts all the way through, thank you. And as for that question I began with, the answer…is not obvious. I can only go so far to try and understand who I am, but I can go just as far trying to make sure who I am is the best I can be. Someone who aspires to make people happy, to be independent and live a happier, fulfilling life. In general, for you- keep on going, and be specific about where you want to go. Love you!

- Ninesevenpotatoes, 2026

I HATE(D) 67

Before we read, I’d just like to share: this rant was made about 3 months ago, when the 67 meme affected me more. I’ve actually gotten more used to it as of now, although I don’t like it still. Here’s an archival post to find out when I REALLY hated it! Excuse sections with missing information.

Also, sorry for not posting in a while, life’s happening. PART 3 to the Davis Family saga should be soon!

—————-

I mean...it's in the title, what do you think this is about?

So as about 1% of the people reading this know, a few months ago on September 7th, aka 97 day, I released a blog post discussing 97, my history of it, and some silly facts about it, which if you haven't read, go read it.

It's pretty well-known 97 is my favorite number. I never had a hated number however.

..until about a month and a half ago, when my uncultured behind found out...about the 67 meme. Which- more accurately is "6-7" since it's pronouced "six-seven", which-...is ironic, because if you recall, when I first went by 97Scratch, I called myself "nine-seven" instead of "ninety-seven".

Oh no...we're only one paragraph in and the similarities. have begun. Now, if you don't know what 67 is, it's another one of Gen Alpha's annoying trends as of late. Gen Alpha has been (admittedly unfairly) mocked for it's brainrotty culture, such as Skibidi Toilet, language like "gyatt" or "rizz", and it's short attention span. I'm technically Gen Alpha since I was born in 2010, but I prefer "Gen Z'alpha", as I incorporate both generational cultures.

But apparently, meme culture has devolved some much...even a 2-digit number...can become a meme. Which-...HOW?!? I'll let you know how.

Let me explain to you the STUPID origin of the 67 meme.

I HATE(D) 67'S ORIGIN

So about a year ago there was a song called "Doot Doot (67)", where 6-7 was used as a lyric. The context behind why is a bit ambigious, although it could be connected to police language.

It was later used throughout early 2025 by a basketball player, and sometimes used in reference to 6'7 basketball players. Because I lived under a rock I didn't notice this rise until it affected me.

In fact, the main thing I know this meme for dates back to MARCH of this year, where at a basketball game, a TikTok video recorded this obnoxiously Justin-Bieber wannabee blonde seemingly 12-year-old screaming "67" into the camera for-...NO REASON. And yet this kid's face has gone viral, known as "67 kid".

His real name is "Maverick Trevillian" by the way. Maverick Trevillian? Is he a 12-year-old or some sort of car selling agency?  This guy even managed to get into a South Park episode.

If it wasn't obvious... I. Hate. Him.

I don't actually hate him, he did nothing to me after all; in fact don't bully this kid, at the end of the day he is a bit annoying but he doesn't deserve to harassed or cyberbullied. Fame is a double edged sword.

Actually, when you look into it, maybe he does deserve a bit of hate. Y'know why?

Recently, he allegedly got into a crypto scam.

Yes. A CRYPTO SCAM!

How the hell did we go from obnoxious Gen Alpha memes to CRYPTO SCAMS?! Man- I'm done with this.

WHY I HATE(D) 67

We got into the general history of the meme, but now I want to highlight some incidents of mine and proof that this has gotten out of hand.

Let's start with how I found out about 67. It was through a joke on Discord out of all things.

First of all, there are MANY spammers using this meme on YT now, particularly with YTbers I watch, like Matt Neff and VP Awesome.

Just today, there was a spammer on Matt Neff's premiere video discussing A.I. Plagiarism, and I was heated because he even started a CHAIN REACTION. I had to block them so I could focus on the video. Why do these kids find this funny?

And look at THIS! (Censoring name to prevent harassment) This is one of my FRIENDS btw. Not even my friends side with me. Shut. Up. 

Here's another example of spammers at _:__ when VP Awesome was making a rant stream discussing YT's strange copyright rules.

This angered me because poor VP was clearly pissed, yet these annoying ass children came only to his stream to spam a stupid meme. I do know this kid's prolly like, 12 or something, but still...children like this should not be on the internet. Mothers, we do not give preschoolers tablets for a REASON!

VP Awesome also had this quote about 67 when he managed to stop spammers in a Daniel Tiger stream.

"Bro if y'all start spamming 67 in my shit you getting banned bro.

[spammers begin to leave]

HE KNOWS WHAT'S UP!!!

Anyway, outside of YT, people on Scratch an are telling me about this, and it's just...exhausting.

I STILL HATE(D) 67

So, at the end of the day, I'm aware 67 is just some silly meme that at the end of the day hurts nobody. I don't care if you like 67 or dislike 67, I'm not going to diss you for it. And this entire post was mostly hyperbole.

It's just that I will IMMENSELY hate 67 for probably the next few months it's relevant, and no one can discourage me. Who knows, maybe I'll look back at this laughing. I used to hate Skibidi Toilet, but I've chilled to it as well.

That's all I got to say bout 67. By the way, if you're wondering, no, I am not going to give you a list 67 things about 67 like I did with 97. 67 doesn't deserve it. I am that petty.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/6-7_(meme)