Hikikomori is a Japanese word that describes someone who's an extreme introvert and who rarely interacts with other people. Does that sound like you?
Answer just a few quick questions, and we'll tell you if you might be hikikomori.
Questions Overview
- Yeah, totally! Sounds like fun.
- Depends. Where are we going?
- Nah, I'd rather stay home.
- I wish I could, but I'm busy!
- On my own, for sure! It's less hassle that way.
- I'd work with a small team, as long as I knew we could cooperate.
- The more, the merrier!
- Yes, and I am right now.
- Yes, but I'm not in one right now.
- Maybe, if I found the right person.
- Nah. That stuff's not really for me.
- Alone
- With friends
- With strangers
- With family
- Online.
- By text.
- Over a phone call.
- In person.
- I try not to interact with others.
- Totally. It's one of life's biggest joys!
- Sometimes, but it can also be exhausting.
- Not at all. I don't really need anyone new in my life.
- Browsing the web on my phone or computer.
- Playing video games or watching movies.
- Reading books or doing hobbies.
- Doing chores or taking care of other responsibilities.
- Sleeping.
- Something else.
- Yes. I feel like I belong to something bigger than myself.
- Sort of, but I also feel alienated in some ways.
- No. I feel like society is unfair and that I don't fit in.
More Quizzes
Hikikomori Explained
What is hikikomori?
Hikikomori is a phenomenon coined in Japan, in which young people are increasingly becoming reclusive. It’s both the name of the phenomenon and a word for the people it describes. Literally, the word means “pulling inward” or “confinement.” These people tend to avoid other people and every form of socialization, preferring instead to be alone whenever possible.
Is hikikomori a negative thing?
Studies show that humans need regular socialization in order to be happy and healthy. Of course, everyone is different, and some people can go a long time without socializing with others. But with hikikomori, the isolation is intense, and the effects can be damaging to someone’s psyche, altering their behavior. So while it doesn’t make someone a bad person, it also isn’t ideal.
What causes hikikomori?
That’s a tough question! It’s different for everyone, but there are some major causes that many cases have in common. One leading cause is social and societal factors like a poor economy or changing attitudes toward socialization. As society pushes people to work more and socialize less, they might prioritize rest and work more than meeting other people. Some also try to avoid societal pressures of career work, marriage, or other expectations by becoming reclusive and “hiding.” Of course, it can also be caused by existing health factors, like depression or debilitating illness, that make it difficult to leave the house.
Signs of Hikomori
1. Rarely leaving the house
2. Going long periods without talking to others
3. Avoiding real-world responsibilities
4. Irritable behavior toward others
5. Obsession with virtual worlds, like movies, TV, books, or video games
Treating Hikikomori
Treating hikikomori is tough, but not impossible, because people experiencing it often do not want to be treated. The best option is therapy, but certain low-pressure exposure exercises can also work, such as encouraging a person with hikikomori to call you for short periods, or to leave the house for short periods on a walk, with these activities becoming longer or more intense over to time to help resocialize someone with hikikomori.
Want to learn more?
For more information about hikikomori, check out these helpful resources:
