Why Do People Take Risks, Especially Young Guys???

[emt]

Browsing online and I noted two physical limitations as Humans I thought I would note: 1. The Frontal Lobe is believed to be still developing till about 20years of age and 2.Some alpha males have even higher than normal testosterone levels.

I enjoyed reading the information and overall imagine a herd of animals with young dispersed. The adults usually do the killing and providing in the herd. The teenagers must soon accept the Risks of deciding a spot in the adult herd. This may be a job, college to obtain a job, military, or as a professional. Failure to take this risk will be result in relying on the adult herd for support as medicaid/medicare/living with parents/ etc. etc. (receiving the left over from the kill). It is natural to take more risks in the late teen years...
Please add to the list as I want to know why we take Risks:

Most risks are taken when less than 25 years of age
1. The thrill and excitement of the adrenaline rush (Guys usually have experienced this feeling more often since a greater % play high school sports etc.)
2. Young want to prove themselves as being strong able capable adults and are willing to take the risks.
3. Young know they heal faster than adults (perceived invulnerable) and bounce back quicker from injury thus able to reasonably accept a higher risk of injury and they believe any injury will heal since they have time.
4. Young have fewer commitments and less of a feeling that they must live to support someone.
5. Young have fewer assets (physical assets @ home etc. & capital) and have less to lose vs. the potential Gains vs. older adults.
6. Young lack the age awareness of the fragility of the human body-and tragedy of death occurrences.
7. Defiance and Rebellion. They want more freedom, not just responsible behavior freedom eforced with rules.
8. For some: Not being risky might ensure zero reproductive success, adult position, etc. in the future.
9. Risk taking builds experience quickly. Beneficial for future jobs and avoidance of similar conditions
10. Peer review, "It's cool to do stupid things."
11. The challenge: doing this will move them higher on the pecking order and I can beat this guy.
12. Risks may not always be fully valued by the young, but most are aware of the rewards to acts of heroism = + favor from potential mates/ other people/ and future employers.
13. Some value other things more than their self: God, Country, Family, Friends, Other Humans and are willing to risk their life for these.
14. Some lack the understanding of the repercussions of the risks being taken (physical damage, financial loss, criminal prosecution, harming others, their own death, etc.).
15. Putting short term goals/desires in front of long term goals/desires.
16. Odds of getting caught/failure/injury are less than 50/50
17. Greed & Lust overcome reason.
18. Pure Stupid/Fearless: They don't believe bad things will happen to them because so far they haven't.
19. The young take risks to signal potential mates. Included due to many others saying this but I don't see it for me.

Some risks must be taken to move into the adult Herd...
Two other possible reasons to take Risks/Rewards: The knowledge that the Herd will support the weak and injured if they fail 1. Medicaid & future programs in the works 2. Low odds of criminal death sentences/prolonged incarceration/heinous body markings/ true full retribution of the action.


Some adult behaviors:
1. They want more excitement. They claim they need very new or very intense or both excitement. Sensation seekers not only lust after things - they take them, disregarding risks. Many politicians are go for everything guys. People who take a lot of risks.
2. Some claim alpha males have a higher level of testosterone thus increasing the above needs.
3. Some claim older bodies are tired a greater % of the time. Most risk taking behavior requires energy and vitality thus leading to less risk as adults.
4. Prior experiences with time to reflect upon.
5. We have already secured our adult status and don't want to lose what we have acquired.
6. We often have significant others and children etc. that count on us for support.
Marginal Revolution: Why do the young take more risks?
Why do men take such dumb risks?
Why Teens Do Stupid Things
The Cheating Man’s Brain | Newsweek Health | Newsweek.com

Please add to the list...

[emt]

We could note that voting ages in other countries range from 15 in Iran and 17 in North Korea, to 20 in Japan, with the majority agreeing on 18

Neuroscientists such as Jay Geidd, of the US National Institutes of Health, have shown that the brain undergoes major reconstruction from the onset of puberty which continues until 20 or beyond: especially the frontal lobes or prefrontal cortex, the very bit that enables us to think in the abstract, weigh moral dilemmas and control our impulses. It's been called the part of the brain that makes us human. Frontal lobe damage causes severe personality changes and sudden emotional outbursts. Patients often can't control inappropriate or antisocial behaviour, can't plan for the future, or see the consequences of their behaviour. Do these symptoms sound familiar?
Richard Dawkins & R Elisabeth Cornwell: The brain just isn't ready to vote at 16 | Politics | The Guardian

[Smashee]

Originally Posted by emt

Please add to the list as I want to know why we take Risks:

If you're interested in risk and the potential causes of risk-taking behaviour, I'd thoroughly recommend reading "Risk" by John Adams.
It looks into the ideas behind risk compensation and how we adjust our behaviour according to perceived levels of risk.

[Largo]

Just to clarify; Are you talking about Risk as in 'exposure to hazards' or are you referring to Risk the boardgame?

Because, my nephew has my Risk boardgame, and I'd like to know why he took it!

[Splitlip]

Well, Duh!

Here are are few notable quotes:

Young, dumb and full of "testosterone".

"Superman in a can"

"Watch this!"

We are males. It is natural selection I am sure. The bold propagate.

[navyhmc]

Originally Posted by Splitlip

Well, Duh!

Here are are few notable quotes:

Young, dumb and full of "testosterone".

"Superman in a can"

"Watch this!"

We are males. It is natural selection I am sure. The bold propagate.

Or remove themselves from the gene pool!

[emt]

I saw a lot of #13 talked about today.
Congratulations Fox & the troops, it was great....Fox NFL pregame show to be aired from Afghanistan

[Lulubelle]

Originally Posted by navyhmc

Or remove themselves from the gene pool!

Yes, more should try this.

Emt, you are making it way too complicated. Testosterone plus immaturity. That's it. You guys are simple.

[johnyringo]

The young are invincible...remember?

[tfd86]

Risk taking doesn't always have to do with testosterone or a damaged frontal lobe. There also a risk/benefit ordeal ie military, fire and police human life at stake bigger benefit = larger risk being taken.