Understanding Risky Behaviors in Adolescents

What is one of the main reasons people participate in dangerous challenge videos?

• To gain social media fame

• To learn new skills

• To avoid boredom

• To improve their health

Why are teenagers more likely to engage in risky behaviors?

• Their brains are still developing and seeking rewards

• They are less influenced by peers

• Their brains are fully developed

• They have a strong sense of impulse control

What is a potential reason for the increased risk-taking behavior in teenagers?

• Mature prefrontal cortex

• Lack of social interaction

• High levels of dopamine receptors

• Complete brain development

What is the role of the prefrontal cortex in adolescent behavior?

• It has no role in decision-making

• It fully matures by age 12

• It is responsible for impulse control and rational thinking

• It encourages impulsive actions

How does social media contribute to risky behaviors in adolescents?

• By reducing peer pressure

• By making risky behaviors more visible

• By providing educational content

• By encouraging safe practices

What did the 2012 study using fMRI reveal about adolescents?

• They have less brain activity when alone

• Their reward centers are more active when peers are watching

• They make safer decisions when observed

• They are unaffected by peer observation

Why might teenagers feel a greater sense of reward when peers are present?

• They are less aware of their surroundings

• They have a reduced sense of danger

• Their social reinforcement is perceived as rewarding

• They are more focused on individual goals

What did the 2016 study find about teenagers' brain activity when viewing liked photos?

• Decreased activity in reward circuits

• Increased activity in cognitive control areas

• Increased activity in reward circuits

• No change in brain activity

What is a key factor that influences teenagers to take risks on social media?

• Mature decision-making skills

• Complete understanding of consequences

• Desire for social approval

• Lack of access to social media

What is the goal of researchers studying individual differences in risk-taking?

• To promote social media use

• To eliminate all risky behaviors

• To encourage more dangerous challenges

• To understand why some take small risks and others take life-threatening ones