Why do we take risks?
It’s all part of growing up
We all test our limits as we grow up. It’s no surprise that as we get older we often experiment with risky situations to understand how they affect us.
We are naturally curious, so it’s not enough to simply be told that a certain activity is bad for us. We want to find out for ourselves.
"I’m so bored..."
Sometimes we take risks because we’re bored and want to ‘spice up’ our lives. In most cases this boredom is the result of some imbalance in how we are living. We may not be using our talents to their full potential and this is when we make bad decisions.
"I just want to be liked..."
It’s natural to want to be liked by our peers. However, when we let this need overcome our sense of self-preservation it has gone too far.
"Look at me, look at me!"
Sometimes we don’t even care about impressing people, we just want their attention.
This need can be caused by a sense of loneliness and insecurity which arises from bad life experiences such as poor parenting or bullying.
The adrenalin rush
Adrenalin is a powerful drug produced by the body in exciting or stressful situations.
This surge of energy leads many young people to overlook the danger of risky activities.
Drugged-up decision-making
An altered state of consciousness might blind us to the dangers of our decisions.
Money, money, money
Young people may turn to crime to earn money through theft, drug dealing, or extortion.