[thstone]

Speaking from direct experience (two boys, ages 17 and 19), teens today see the cell phone as the center of social interaction rather than the car (as my generation did). Why?

1. The new driving laws (can't drive anyone under 18-25 yrs old (depending on the state) until you've had your license for a year) effectively eliminated the car as the center of social interaction. Think about it; No driving around with your friends. No dating. No nothing. Kids can drive around alone and that's it. Having a car in high school almost becomes worthless.
2. Parents have been more than willing to become full-time chauffers for their kids. There's no need to learn to drive (or even be interested in it) when you have a chauffer on call 24/7.
3. The cost of buying a car, insurance, gas, maintenance, etc has risen substantially and fewer teens have easy access to jobs in this difficult economy.
4. Comfort with remote relationships. My generation grew up learning that relationships were primarily formed person to person because there was no easy way to maintain a long distance relationship. When your best friend moved away, the relationship ended because even calling long distance was too expensive. With the internet, younger generations have learned to stay close in touch with friends no matter where they are geographically located. Who needs a car when a lot of your friends don't even live near you?