When adolescent offline risks behaviors go online

Abstract Technology has evolved and will continue to evolve in both ways we will anticipate or not. The internet and mobile technology have provided new ways in which adolescents participate in and disseminate their participation in risky behaviors. Youtube, Facebook, Instagram, and Tumbler have created online platforms for displaying high-risk behaviors and receiving attention for the behaviors. The attention the adolescent received can increase their willingness to participate in other risky behaviors and continue to seek fame (and in some instances money). The current chapter provides an overview of theories of adolescent risk behavior, recent online/social media display of high-risk behaviors, and ways in which practitioners can intervene to support the youth that minimizes the need to engage in these behaviors. While the chapter provides examples of recent social media challenges, new challenges will develop over time. We argue that what will remain constant is our understanding of why they engage in these high-risk activities and what contributes to their willingness to display these online.