What was the social impact of the automobile for teenagers?

The automobile had tremendous social impact on the lives of millions of teenagers. Previously restricted in their mobility by their dependence on adults, mainly parents, for transportation, the introduction of the automobile provided teenagers their own (assuming they were/are able to secure use of a vehicle) form of transportation that greatly exceeded the geographical limitations associated with the use of bicycles and walking. Teenagers were able to socialize at each other's homes, at malls, at diners, or at any other location without reliance on parents for transportation—reliance that often precluded certain types of activities, such as smoking and drinking.
The use of automobiles also impacted the social lives of teenagers by enabling them to interact within the confines of their vehicles while occasionally simultaneously interacting with friends and others either standing nearby or in vehicles of their own. "Cruising" became a common pastime, with teenagers using their cars to enhance their social status by emphasizing their independence. In short, the introduction of the automobile had a very profound, if occasionally disturbing impact on the social lives of teenagers.