Since the prefrontal cortex of the brain is not yet fully developed middle schoolers and high schoolers do not make the best decisions. Our lives and actions are driven by pure and raw emotion. The brain makes neural connections because the brain is still in the process of adding myelin, and we also cannot make connections between an action and its subsequent consequences. Judgement is impaired, but we can't really help it, can we? I can recall doing certain things and after being asked "why?" I really did not have an answer. Actions become impulses that lack a prior though process. This can perhaps explain why so many teens rebel with alcohol or drugs, or get tattoos. "It seemed like a good idea at the time" or "this is what I want right now, so I'm going to do it" are common justifications for reckless, thoughtless actions during adolescence.
More specific to girls is drama, drama, and more drama. Like the article says, "the brain is buzzing with dopamine" so everything is intensified. Girls get upset over a "mean look" from another girl and let that one small thing ruin their day. Then, since they're emotional, they commonly act rashly and bratty towards other girls, and then the feeling's of the other girls are hurt. It's a vicious cycle courtesy of the prefrontal cortex.
In terms of adolescent boys, the "more primitive" part of the brain will dominate action. In sports boys become aggressive, trying to show off how "macho" and strong they are. Emotionally, many will also do this for approval from their peer group and from girls. The emotional high they experience is probably also the reason behind many fights. This is sparked by trying to prove their "manhood" they have newly grown into, and their newfound pride.
With so many hormonal changes, on top of the not yet developed brain, adolescents are in a difficult and confusing time and may do outright stupid things. Hopefully we grow out of it someday.
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