Am I, with around 30, in this generation? Putting * in words seems like self censorship to me. Still, might have a cultural component. German here.

It can be used for in-jokey comedic effect. For example, referring to M*cr*sft W*nd*ws or Br*dc*m as though they were offensive terms. Or *r*cl*.

I'm in my 40s and * is self-censorship to me. It must be a cultural thing.