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How friendship affects your brain - Shannon Odell

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The Science of Adolescence

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If it seems like friendships formed in adolescence are particularly special, that's because they are. Childhood, adolescent, and adult friendships all manifest differently in part because the brain works in different ways at those stages of life. During adolescence, there are changes in the way you value, understand, and connect to friends. Shannon Odell explores the neuroscience of friendship.

Think of one of your best friends. What do you think is going on in your brain when you hang out? When you have a deep conversation? When you gossip? Which parts of your brain would be lighting up?

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Watch the video and finish the Think section to complete the lesson.

About The Science of Adolescence

The adolescent brain is spectacular! Between roughly the ages of 10 and 25, key connections are forming within the brain, between ideas, and between people. Understanding how this “connecting brain” works can help us facilitate positive development and make healthier decisions, enabling us to take advantage of the remarkable potential of these formative years.

Meet The Creators

  • Video created by TED-Ed
  • Lesson Plan created by TED Ed

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