Final answer:
Adolescents are key targets for businesses due to their high disposable income, influence on family spending, trend-driven behaviors, and openness to risk-taking. The economic and cultural influence of this demographic has been historically recognized since the baby boom era and continues to be significant in contemporary consumer markets.
Step-by-step explanation:
Adolescents are attractive targets for a variety of businesses mainly because of their high disposable income and significant influence on family spending. They may earn money from part-time jobs and at the same time, they impact the purchasing decisions of their households. Moreover, the adolescent demographic tends to follow social trends and norms, particularly in fashion, which is heavily influenced by peer groups rather than a focus on saving money or adhering to parents' rules. This makes them prime consumers for clothing and lifestyle brands.
Another factor that makes adolescents attractive targets for businesses is their relative inexperience and openness to risk-taking compared to adults. Though teens can evaluate risks and rewards similarly to adults, they are more likely to take risks, partly due to evolutionary psychology arguments suggesting risk-taking in adolescence has been beneficial for gaining independence and moving forward in life.
Lastly, the impact of adolescents on the consumer market was notably seen during the baby boom era, where industries recognized and capitalized on the economic and cultural influence wielded by teenagers. Today, they are a coveted demographic as evidenced by their spending power and influence, as highlighted in sources like PBS Frontline's "The Merchants of Cool".