Most of the world does not see it this way, not being a predator isn’t some “American” thing. I’d read on adolescent-adult relationships and the harm that’s caused long term for the younger party, this perspective is a moral one. And some laws are immoral. I’ll try to further put things into perspective.
The age of consent does not define adulthood, the age of majority does.
“In the United States, a minor is any individual under the specified ‘age of majority’ for their state or territory., All states define an age of majority, which is usually set at 18, but states like Indiana and Mississippi set it at 21, while in Alabama, Colorado, Maryland, or Nebraska, the age of majority is 19.”
This includes Europe (which often gets pulled into these discussions due to lower age of consents) - “The age of majority is 18 years in all EU Member States except for Scotland, where children are considered to have full legal capacity from the age of 16 years. But it's not until their 18th birthday that children become adults in the eyes of the law.”
17 year olds are often labeled as “adults” or “almost adults” - sure. Legally. But biologically/physically/mentally? They are adolescents.
Physical/biological differences;
According to the World Health Organization, the ages of 15-19 are the ages in which pregnancy risks are at their peak. And of course younger. Teenage girls are more likely to experience anovulatory cycles and have an overall smaller hip width. Whereas, pregnancy at ages 20-24 are far less dangerous, and prone to less complications. Neoteny becomes less prevalent as one ages, and the typical 16 year old have more amplified neoteny than your average 25 year old does. They appear more youthful, which makes them distinguishable from adults. I’d like to think of it as that “one year old puppy” look. Not puppies, yet not a mature dog yet. For males, boys are likely to reach growth spurts in regards to their height during early adulthood. In females, girls are likely to experience a fluctuation in their breast size as well as an overall weight increase. Vast hormonal begin to level out during the early 20s.
More physical/biological differences;
Adolescents:
- Rapid physical growth and development
- Puberty onset, including changes in body shape, voice, and sexual characteristics
- Brain development, including changes in structure and function
- Increased energy levels and sleep needs
- Developing motor skills and coordination
- Experimenting with personal hygiene and grooming habits
Adults (roughly ages 21+):
- Physical growth and development slow down
- Hormonal changes stabilize
- Brain development reaches maturity
- Energy levels and sleep needs stabilize
- Refined motor skills and coordination
- Established personal hygiene and grooming habits
Mental;
Adolescents:
- *Impulsivity*: Tend to act on emotions without fully thinking through consequences.
- *Emotional intensity*: Experience emotions more intensely, which can lead to mood swings.
- *Brain development*: Undergoing significant brain changes, including pruning and myelination, which can impact decision-making and impulse control.
- *Identity formation*: Exploring and experimenting with different identities, values, and beliefs.
- *Social influence*: Highly influenced by peers and social media.
Adults (roughly ages 21+);
- *Increased prefrontal cortex activity*: Improved decision-making, planning, and impulse control.
- *Emotional regulation*: Better able to manage and regulate emotions.[Expand Post]
- *Stabilized brain development*: Brain changes slow down, leading to more consistent decision-making and behavior.
- *Established identity*: More likely to have a solid sense of self and values.
- *Independent thinking*: Less influenced by peers and more likely to form their own opinions.
Comparison of the average day-to-day life of an adolescent vs an adult;
Adolescents:
- School or education-focused
- Structured schedule with classes, homework, and activities
- Socializing with peers and friends
- Extracurricular activities like sports, clubs, or hobbies
- Dependence on adults for transportation, financial support, and guidance
- Emotional ups and downs with rapid mood changes
- Exploring identity, interests, and values
- Developing independence and autonomy
Adults (roughly ages 21+):
- Work or career-focused
- Flexible schedule with more control over time management
- Independent living with personal responsibilities
- Socializing with colleagues, friends, and family
- Leisure activities like hobbies, travel, or relaxation
- Financial independence and self-sufficiency
- Emotional stability with more self-awareness and regulation
- Established identity, interests, and values
- Ongoing personal growth and development
Power imbalances;
Adolescents are still developing - both physically and mentally - and may require more guidance and support, while adults have reached a level of maturity and should be held more accountable for their actions. Adolescent-adult relationships are inherently imbalanced because adults hold more power due to their age, experience, and social status. This power differential creates a vulnerable environment for adolescents, making them susceptible to exploitation and manipulation. Research shows time and time again that adolescents are more likely to experience emotional manipulation, gr00ming, and even sxual abuse in these unbalanced relationships. Consent is complex, especially when there's such a vast power differential. Teenagers, especially of younger ages, may feel pressured or coerced into consenting due to their desire for approval, attention, or a sense of belonging.
A few ways these power imbalances are implemented;
1. Emotional manipulation: Adults may use guilt, anger, or self-pity to control an adolescent's emotions and actions.
2. Gr00ming: Adults may build a relationship with an adolescent, gaining their trust, and then exploit this trust for sxual or other exploitative purposes.
3. Gaslighting: Adults may deny or distort reality, making an adolescent question their own perceptions or sanity.
4. Bullying: Adults may use their power to intimidate, belittle, or humiliate an adolescent.
5. Sxual abuse: Adults may engage in sxual contact or exploitation with an adolescent, which is illegal and/or harmful.
6. Exploitation: Adults may take advantage of an adolescent's labor, resources, or talents for personal gain.
7. Neglect: Adults may fail to provide adequate care, support, or protection for an adolescent's physical or emotional well-being.
8. Authoritarian control: Adults may exert excessive control over an adolescent's decisions, actions, and choices.
9. Discrimination: Adults may treat adolescents unfairly based on their race, gender, sxual orientation, religion, or other characteristics.
10. Retaliation: Adults may punish or retaliate against an adolescent for speaking out or asserting their rights.
Vulnerabilities;
1. Brain development: Adolescents' brains are still developing, particularly the prefrontal cortex, which regulates decision-making, impulse control, and emotional management.
2. School environment: Adolescents spend a significant amount of time in school, where they face academic pressure, social cliques, and/or bullying.
3. Social media influence: Adolescents are constantly exposed to social media, which can shape their self-esteem, body image, and worldviews.
4. Identity formation: Adolescents are exploring their identities, including gender, sxual orientation, and/or cultural heritage.
5. Impressionable minds: Adolescents are more susceptible to influence from adults, peers, and media, which can shape their beliefs and behaviors.
6. Lack of life experience: Adolescents have limited life experience, making them more vulnerable to exploitation and manipulation.
7. Dependence on adults: Adolescents rely on adults for financial support, transportation, and emotional guidance.
8. Vulnerability to trauma: Adolescents are more vulnerable to the effects of trauma, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
9. Developing coping mechanisms: Adolescents are still learning healthy coping mechanisms for stress, emotions, and relationships.
10. Exploring boundaries: Adolescents are testing boundaries and exploring their autonomy, which can lead to risk-taking behaviors.
Additional aspects of adolescent vulnerability;
1. Social media exposure: Adolescents are constantly connected to social media, which can lead to cyberbullying, online harassment, and decreased self-esteem.
2. Peer pressure: Adolescents are highly influenced by their peers and may engage in risky behaviors to fit in or gain acceptance.
3. Mental health: Adolescents are more likely to experience mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and thoughts of self-harm.
4. Substance experimentation: Adolescents may experiment with drūgs, alcohol, or other substances, which can lead to addiction and other negative consequences.
5. Lack of privacy: Adolescents often have limited privacy and may be subject to parental or institutional monitoring.
6. Developing brains: Adolescents' brains are still developing, which can lead to impulsive decisions and limited judgment.
7. Hormonal changes: Adolescents are experiencing significant hormonal fluctuations, which can affect mood, energy, and behavior.
8. Body changes: Adolescents are undergoing rapid physical changes, which can lead to body dissatisfaction and negative self-image.
9. Family dynamics: Adolescents may experience family conflicts, divorce, or other stressful home environments.
10. Societal expectations: Adolescents face intense pressure to succeed academically, athletically, and socially.
Power dynamics this vast are not healthy, adults should leave minors alone.