[brc]

I think you're wrong about being constantly flooded with information. If anything, it's having the opposite effect. I can do anything? Well, er, um, I don't know what to do.

I'd cite the famous study that showed more choice equals less action with the jams in the supermarket if I could be bothered to look it up.

I know it was much easier for me to make life choices once I had ruled out a massive amount of things.

I also don't see backpacking as drawing out childhood - if anything, the opposite. Well travelled people used to adverse circumstance and problem solving make better adults. It's the ones who never leave home, never make any choices, never do anything that are the eternal kids.