How We Grow Up : Understanding Adolescence by Matt Richtel (2025, Hardcover)

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In a powerful extension of his acclaimed New York Times series on the modern teen mental health crisis, Pulitzer Prize-winning science journalist Matt Richtel presents a thorough investigation into adolescence, a crucial stage of life marked by significant�and often perplexing�changes.

Traditionally viewed as a natural progression from childhood to adulthood, this transition is now challenged by unprecedented societal pressures. The adolescent brain, which has evolved over thousands of years to navigate this pivotal phase, is bombarded with a relentless influx of screen-based information at the same time that puberty is starting earlier than ever. This clash creates a neurological mismatch that can overwhelm the still-developing mind, leading to anxiety, depression, and various other mental health issues. This situation reflects a crisis inherent to modern existence but can only be fully understood through a comprehensive exploration of the biology of adolescence.

Richtel shifts the focus from the commonly recognized hormonal changes that accompany puberty to the intricate workings of the adolescent brain itself. Drawing on a growing body of research, he illuminates the development of the "social brain," the intense desire for peer connections, and how these dynamics influence behaviors crucial for economic and social survival. This transformative period inherently involves risk-taking and exploration, driven by the brain's programming from birth, allowing individuals to thrive as they transition away from the protective sphere of childhood.

Through a compelling blend of cutting-edge research and engaging personal narratives, Richtel provides clear, scientifically informed insights into urgent questions surrounding generational change. He seeks to unravel the reasons behind adolescent behaviors, their propensity for risk and reward-seeking, and the ongoing mental health challenges. Further, he explores how this stage of life shapes the future of humanity and seeks to define the essence of adolescence itself.