Teens are no longer as interested in driving as they once were—even in Modesto, Calif., where the classic cruising film American Graffiti was set. With the Internet, they have access to friends and a sort of freedom their parents never envisioned. Many teens wait longer to get a driver’s license.

“If there was something that was out there forcing me to get out there and actually get my license, I probably would,” says 19-year-old Celine Murrillo, “but there’s like, your parents, so you have something to depend on—so maybe that’s why.”

Those who do get their licenses don’t feel the pressing need to use them. If they get behind the wheel, they’re going to be driving for a reason, not to just drive.

“They’re not likely to just aimlessly go,” says Katie Gilles, a young adult from Modesto. “It has to be Instagram-worthy,” chimes in friend Mike Clubb. (National Public Radio)

Paul Asay has covered religion for The Washington Post, Christianity Today, Beliefnet.com and The (Colorado Springs) Gazette. He writes about culture for Plugged In and wrote the Batman book God on the Streets of Gotham (Tyndale). He lives in Colorado Springs with wife Wendy and his two children. Follow him on Twitter.