Take, for example, the teenager's love of thrills. Weall like new and exciting things, but never as much aswe do during our teenage years. During this time of ourlives, say scientists, our brains produce chemicals thatmake us very eager to experience new things--the moreexciting, the better. Although the need for excitementcan lead to dangerous behaviors (like driving a car toofast and getting into a car accident), it can also generate positive ones. The desire to meet new people, forinstance, can help us make friends, which usually makesus happier and more successful in life. Taking risks andtrying new things can be challenging or even dangerous,but this behavior can also lead to useful experiences thatwill benefit us as adults.