The Japanese word hikikomori means “to retreat and shut oneself inside” and refers to both the phenomenon of a person who withdraws socially from life for at least six months or more, and the people themselves. The term was first popularized in the late 1990’s by psychiatrist Tamaki Saitō in his book Shakaiteki Hikikomori: Owaranai Shishunki (Social Hikikomori: Adolescence without End). In 2026, hikikomori looks like this: a person who avoids social interaction, does not work and does not participate in education or training, and spends the vast majority of their time indoors (often just in one room) with limited excursions outside – like a trip to the convenience store for cigarettes.

It was thought to be a trend unique to Japan, where concepts of family honor and shame could drive anxious, perfectionist youths to remain isolated in their homes for months or even years. Unfortunately, more and more studies across the globe are showing that this is not just a Japanese phenomenon, but a global one.

What is causing it? Why would someone voluntarily remain isolated in their room for months or years? The problem is, it’s not as “voluntary” as it appears. While many hikikomori spend their time online (using social media, gaming, streaming, or accessing porn), this isn’t an “online” problem – in other words, the screens aren’t the problem in and of themselves, but merely a safe way to pass time. Roughly 50% of hikikomori consume unprescribed drugs of some variety – but again, drug use doesn’t drive the condition, it’s used as an escape from the misery.

The true heart of hikikomori is loneliness.

In 2023, the US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy officially declared loneliness a national epidemic. In 2026, half of US adults report measurable levels of loneliness and a full quarter report a lack of social and emotional support. The loneliest generation is Gen Z, which reports a whopping 67% loneliness rate. In a world that’s more connected than ever before, we’re also seeing more loneliness than ever before.

Loneliness is an epidemic far worse than COVID. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 100 deaths every hour are attributed to loneliness. The CDC reports that social isolation and loneliness can increase a person’s risk of heart disease and stroke, Type-2 diabetes, depression and anxiety, dementia, and earlier death. In addition, it increases the risk of suicide. According to the Surgeon General’s Advisory, loneliness is the equivalent of smoking 15 cigarettes per day.

Because the definition of hikikomori is broad and open to interpretation, there are no firm numbers about hikikomori in the United States. Extreme social withdrawal is more prevalent in individuals with mental health problems, those with maladaptive personality traits, and those with adverse family dynamics. Oftentimes, the first step in becoming socially withdrawn is retreating from bullying at school, or a fear of failure socially or academically.

But will every youngster who has been negatively labeled and bullied at school become hikikomori?  Will every child who enjoys solo gaming more than group sports be destined to live in one room for the rest of their life? Are victims of child abuse or neglect inevitably going to end up as shut-ins?

Extreme social withdrawal happens when people feel hopeless and feel they cannot cope in society. This isn’t something that happens overnight. And when it does happen, it’s not a life sentence.

If you have concerns that a loved one may be on the path to extreme social withdrawal, speaking with a therapist or other mental health professional can help you chart a path forward. If you fear your child is headed this direction, family therapy may help identify ways to encourage your child to grow and can help parents develop better tools and support. Minors showing signs of bullying, social pressure, depression or anxiety, or childhood neglect or emotional abuse can benefit greatly from therapy and avoid limiting social withdrawal later on in life.

If you have a loved one who has socially withdrawn to such an extreme, approaching them can feel impossible. They have, quite literally, placed a barrier between themselves and the rest of the world – including you. Speaking with a mental health professional can help you list steps to help your loved one, tailored to their specific needs and degree of isolation.

It is important to remember to approach the isolated with love, compassion, and patience. One kind word or deed won’t erase years of pain and hopelessness. Consistent empathy and patience can eventually build a bridge. “Tough love” strategies like kicking the person out of housing or cutting off support may not have the intended effect, as social withdrawal is often part of a larger mental health picture that needs to be addressed first.

Not every bullied child will end up trapped in their bedroom at age 30, unable to face the outside world. Getting help early can help prevent that type of downhill spiral and set the person on the path to success. It’s also never too late. Someone who has spent 20 years of their life in isolation can, with love and support, learn to not only face the world, but thrive in it.