Back to Basics

Summary : Experts believe that this tendency marks a necessary phase in teen development. The process helps prepare teenagers to confront the world on their own. Researchers scan teen brains while their owners are thinking, learning and making critical decisions. Teens also can play games that require them to make choices, such as whether to pull a trigger, smile at an attractive face or accept a tempting offer. Some choices earn them rewards, such as coins or food. Adolescents are particularly sensitive and responsive to influence by friends, desires and emotions, researchers say. It’s one of the hallmarks of this stage in life. While this would appear to push teenagers toward years of serious risk-taking, it is no mistake of evolution. Casey and other researchers believe the adolescent brain specifically evolved to respond to rewards so teens would leave behind the protection provided by their parents and start exploring their environment — a necessary step toward the independence they will need in adulthood.




Reflection : I'm a risk taker only into a certain extend. i know my limits of risk taking, for example i wouldn't jump off of something knowing i will hurt my self. the farthest i ever took my risk taking was.. maybe one more drink! or possibly, what if i came home a little late tonight. one time i took a risk was coming in late, i thought my mother wasn't going to freak out as much as she did. end up getting kicked out. one time i took a risk, & won was win getting on a roller coaster ride, im scared of heights but since i already spent my money on the ticket, i thought was the worst that can happen? I'll only be scared for the moment. hopefully get over my fear.