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The Relationship Between Hikikomori Risk and Internet Use During COVID-19 Restrictions.
Gavin, Jeff; Brosnan, Mark.
  • Gavin J; Department of Psychology and Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom.
  • Brosnan M; Centre for Applied Autism Research, Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom.
Cyberpsychol Behav Soc Netw ; 25(3): 189-193, 2022 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1746973
ABSTRACT
This study explores the phenomenon of hikikomori, or extreme social isolation, which for the past 20 years has been associated with a range of negative outcomes, including psychological, financial, and social. As hikikomori is associated with marked social withdrawal in one's home and increased Internet use, it has been suggested that the social and technological changes brought about by COVID-19 restrictions may exacerbate the risk of hikikomori in young adults. This study, therefore, sought to identify the relationship between hikikomori risk and changes in Internet use for young people aged 16-24 years during COVID-19 restrictions. An international sample of 826 participants completed an online survey consisting of questions about demographics, experience of lockdown restrictions in the previous 12 months, changes to Internet use in the previous 12 months and a hikikomori risk scale. Higher hikikomori risk was associated with being male, greater time spent in lockdown, and leaving the house less frequently. An increase in Internet use during lockdown was associated with reduced risk of hikikomori. Findings are discussed in relation to gender differences in the type of Internet use engaged in by males and females. It is concluded that online social interaction may be a means of mitigating hikikomori risk in post-COVID-19 societies.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Phobia, Social / COVID-19 Type of study: Observational study / Prognostic study / Qualitative research Topics: Long Covid Limits: Adolescent / Adult / Female / Humans / Male / Young adult Language: English Journal: Cyberpsychol Behav Soc Netw Journal subject: Behavioral Sciences / Psychology Year: 2022 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Cyber.2021.0171

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Phobia, Social / COVID-19 Type of study: Observational study / Prognostic study / Qualitative research Topics: Long Covid Limits: Adolescent / Adult / Female / Humans / Male / Young adult Language: English Journal: Cyberpsychol Behav Soc Netw Journal subject: Behavioral Sciences / Psychology Year: 2022 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Cyber.2021.0171