A controversial topic, for sure.
The simple answer: Michael developed a distrust towards adults. Part of this stems from his childhood (or lack thereof), and part stems from the fact that many of the adults that crossed his path used and/or betrayed him for their own personal gain. Children, to Michael, werenÂ’t as narcissistic; they saw him as a friend, not as a money machine. Hence, his friendships and kinships with children.
Now, did he go about this philosophy the right way? ThatÂ’s another story. But the fact of the matter is, a grown man was denied his childhood, experienced untold psychological and physical abuse, and sought out friendship from adolescents because they were the only people who werenÂ’t hellbent on using him to get something. No matter how you twist it, that is sad.