In a world marked by instability—from global pandemics to shifting political landscapes—young people are increasingly called upon to act, not just react. But what gives teenagers the power to step forward, make their voices heard, and shape their own futures? A new study by Mikhail Goshin, Dmitry Grigoryev, and Pavel Sorokin takes a fresh look at this question through a psychological lens, offering a nuanced picture of adolescent agency and how it links to conformity, rebellious behavior, and a hunger for intellectual challenge.