Teens are also experiencing increased

Teens are also experiencing increased activity in the medial prefrontal cortex, which is involved in processing and responding to other people. Research shows that activity in brain areas related to self-evaluation tends to peak during mid-adolescence, especially for information related to status. This ability to understand social interactions and networks is incredibly important in the formation of teens' friendships, but it may mean that they are especially sensitive to slights and signs of hostility, increasing their susceptibility to social anxiety.