I suspect most just choose to disconnect from their friends and relatives. Perhaps they don’t get on them, maybe they’re struggling with depression or have done something they’re ashamed of and can’t face the people they know. Perhaps they’ve got in with a crowd of people and don’t feel the need to connect with their family or friends and then eventually, it’s been so long, they don’t know how to reconnect. Kids leave home and disconnect from their families often. I think it’s part of the angst of being a young person. It’s sad. Sometimes they may have been kicked out by the family or perhaps they just don’t feel they fit. And yes, some people probably have been abducted, murdered and so on, but I hope they are in the minority. As to protecting yourself, the biggest danger comes from people we know (and I don’t think you should be freaking out because this ‘biggest’ danger, isn’t so big). Let your family or friends know where you’re going if you go for a walk on your own. If your instincts tell you a person is unsafe, listen to them. Really though, the chances of you going missing without you choosing to do so are slim. Now go and listen to some of this happy music!