Is the internet reaponsible for teenagers engaging in risky behaviors?

     In this day and age, technology has become of increasing presence in the life of humans. Day by day, we become increasingly dependent. In fact, there are very few things we can do in life that don't involve some form of technology. Our technology dependence has been increasing without hesitation, and isn't predicted to cease at any point in the future.
     The "younger generation," as the older would say, is growing up with technology, the internet in particular, in an unhealthy manner. They would say, "they are becoming too dependent, and that it is taking up too large of a portion of their lives." Some even insinuate that the use of the internet and social media are responsible for acts of violence committed by the younger generations. They may argue that exposure to risky behaviors, through the internet, is a foolproof cause of teenagers partaking in these risky activities.
      The reality of the situation is that these risky behaviors, acts of violence, or even bullying, have always been present. It is not a concept that has recently been introduced to our society. The "young people" have always been associated with causing mischief and doing things otherwise deemed irresponsible. Its just a fact of life. Something that as been occurring since the beginning, and will never change.
     If it is a fact of life, just the way the world works, why do we have to blame new technology such as the internet? The answer is rather simple. No matter what problem arises, whether it be global warming, bullying, or "risky behaviors by teenagers," there always has to be something to blame. Though taking a step back can enable one to see that its something unchanging, that it has always been here, many critics refuse to do so. They would rather blame the first plausible thing that comes to mind, in this case, the internet.
     So, is risky behavior in teenagers is caused by exposure through the internet? The answer would be no. Every generation ever has complained about how the "younger generation" is taking our society downhill. This may seem true, however it proves that internet, which hasn't been around all that long, could not possibly be at fault. Even without the internet, the idea for particular risky behaviors would travel by mouth. Either way, there are always young people engaging in risky behaviors, no matter where or how they hear about it.