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The article Beautiful Brains
Lakin Henderson

The article Beautiful Brains by David Dobbs, presents the question, “What is wrong with these kids?” The advancement of technology and scientific research has given affirmation to teenage characteristics of the brain in relation to human development. Dobbs offers a few main ideas, and supports his thoughts about why teens are risk takers and thrill seekers with scientific reasoning. In reference to thrill seeking, Dobbs explain the reasons behind teenage decision making, and why teenage decisions are impulsive. What I found interesting about this article was when the author writes about his sons speeding story. This clicked for me because recently I had gotten and speeding ticket. Though I wasn’t going as fast as 113 miles per hour, nevertheless, I was speeding. As I received my $120 ticket, I asked myself “why was I speeding?” Dobbs believed that the reasons behind his sons speeding were due to the fact that his brain isn’t fully developed. I agree with this, if our brain isn’t fully developed it alters our decision making skills. Adolescences tend to do whatever is fun or gives them that “neural buzz.” This is another topic in the article I found interesting. I agree with the fact that when we are younger we strive to get that “neural buzz” feeling. Teenagers tend to take more risk, such as: staying out past curfew, going to a party, sneaking out, or even speeding. I think it’s safe to say most of us have done these things. I have experienced all of these, sometimes I have been caught and other times I have gotten away with it. Though we know it’s the wrong thing to do, we still do it. Our brains aren’t fully matured yet so we tend to take risky chances more often. I agree that the reason teens take more risk is because they tend to keep focus on the prize instead of considering the consequences. According to studies, scientists have proven that the brain is still in an adaptive state and not developed to full thought process

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