Who Are the Underthinkers?

Written by Fiona Lee

There are a multitude of interesting clubs to participate in at Middletown High School, ranging from niche hobbies to matters of awareness and advocacy. Yet, what if there happened to be a more exclusive group that combined both of these feats with whimsicality, art, and anti-tech values on the side? 

Amidst the rise of social media addiction, gen-AI abuse, and political discourse like never seen before, certain students at Middletown High have decided to fight against national concerns on more interpersonal and local levels, all while calling themselves the “Underthinkers.” The term itself is coined from insignificant satire, yet, as active leaders of this group, Thomas Crago and I can agree that more meaning has been placed onto the title as of late.

He states, “[The term] poked at people in society who don’t quite think enough, I suppose. However, it integrated its way into the official name of the group, because sometimes not thinking is actually the most efficient way to think. By doing so, you release these systematically placed thoughts in your head and just leave room for yourself and enjoying life.” 

Underthinker members indulge in Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” on vinyl, far from their phones. Image credits: Thomas Crago

Numerous activities have been carried out with strong intentions of presence through communal optimism and rich enthusiasm for the arts. Underthinker members argue that minimizing modern social media and technology while prioritizing means of low stimulation, such as physical media outlets (eg. books, vinyls, DVDs & projectors) and indulging in nature, ultimately leads to increased quality of individual well-being and collective time spent together.

Member Alivia Stark agrees; “I believe especially now, in this generation, we rely on social media or digital media to connect, but my time with the Underthinkers proves otherwise. If anything it's more fulfilling interacting with true humane connection. Everybody always talks about stepping away from the phone, but now I am with a group of people who are actually beginning to do it (with moderation).”

While the group itself is not open to new members so as to preserve order (note that some exceptions may be made), do reach out to me (Fiona Lee) or Thomas Crago to learn more information about bigger events we have planned, such as peaceful protests and environmental cleanup!