Exploring the Hikikomori Phenomenon: A Netnographic Study of Withdrawal and Identity in Contemporary Youth

This article aims to examine the hikikomori phenomenon, first studied in Japan in the late 1990s (Saito, 1998; Roza et al., 2023). In recent years, there has been a growing interest on this topic, with the objective of analyzing its multiple aspects. Our study article aims to contribute to the discussion on the hikikomori phenomenon beyond Japan (Roza et al., 2023; Correia Lopes et al., 2024) by focusing on the analysis of a Telegram group of hikikomori. The observation was conducted using a netnographic approach (Kozinets, 2015; 2021) for about nine months. During this period, a systematic collection of messages within the group was carried out, allowing for an in-depth analysis of interactions and emerging themes. The analysis focused on the lived experiences of hikikomori, both prior to and following their isolation, with particular attention to work, educational, and familial contexts. These experiences reveal a range of significant challenges that hikikomori face daily, providing relevant insights for institutions and professionals involved in supporting these individuals.