I think the problem is that the internet is more prevalent and mainstream than back then. Like newsgroups could be downright toxic, but the majority of fans didn’t see them.

When I was watching TNG, it was either at my dads house watching it on television or discussing it with my friends in school.

This. TNG would trigger conservatives if it were in today.

Remember when Ricker feel in love with the non-binary alien and they had a whole discussion about pronouns? It’s been thirty years and these guys still aren’t over shit like that.