Adolescent Brain Development and Social Rewards

During the pre-teen years, the brain starts developing an adult-like craving for social rewards, such as attention, influence, power, and positive feedback from peers. This could be the brain's way of preparing kids to be more independent. As a result, kids around 11 or 12 are encouraged to spend more time with peers and show resistance to parental authority. This behavioral pattern is not exclusive to humans, as it is observed in other mammals as well. The significance of this craving for peer interaction becomes evident during the teenage years, around 12 or 13, when teens strongly pursue social engagement. Historically, this need was fulfilled through physical social interactions at school or home, but in modern times, adolescents can satisfy this urge through digital means.