Reckless Teens Think Death is Near

The longstanding notion that teens engage in risky behavior because they feel a sense of immortality and invincibility is being challenged by new data that suggest that 15 percent of American teens think they will die before the age of 35. This fatalistic attitude prompts them to engage in risky behavior like drug use, fighting, unprotected sex, and other unsafe activities, increasing the chances that they will be arrested, contract HIV, or attempt suicide. Ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status were all linked to the teens’ outlook, with members of minorities and those from low-income households most likely to have a negative view of the future. More...

This is possible--We did not think we'd live to be 30--were most suprised when we made 40 and at 60 are just grateful. Our choices weren't as violent but they were no more sensible