Unlike the hikikomori, a NEET can enjoy a social life, like going out often and visiting their friends. Though in certain cases, a NEET can also be considered a hikikomori.
A hikikomori is a social recluse–someone who doesn’t willingly venture outside the comfort of their home.
NEET, an acronym for “Not in Education, Employment, or Training”, refers to a person who is unemployed and not receiving an education or vocational training.
NIH argues this is a cultural phenomenon specific to Japan:
I’d disagree. I think social withdrawal and interaction solely through gaming or the internet is also common in the United States and Europe as well as Asia.
From the Article:
A form of severe social withdrawal, called hikikomori, has been frequently described in Japan and is characterized by adolescents and young adults who become recluses in their parents’ homes, unable to work or go to school for months or years. The aim of this study was to review the evidence for hikikomori as a new psychiatric disorder. Electronic and manual literatures searches were used to gather information on social withdrawal and hikikomori, including studies examining case definitions, epidemiology, and diagnosis. A number of recent empiric studies have emerged from Japan. The majority of such cases of hikikomori are classifiable as a variety of existing DSM-IV-TR (or ICD-10) psychiatric disorders. However, a notable subset of cases with substantial psychopathology do not meet criteria for any existing psychiatric disorder. We suggest hikikomori may be considered a culture-bound syndrome and merits further international research into whether it meets accepted criteria as a new psychiatric disorder. Research diagnostic criteria for the condition are proposed.
I need to continue watching “Uncle from Another World” (Netflix), and add “Recovery of an MMO Junkie” to our Crunchyroll queue.
