The hikikomori phenomenon in Italy at the time of the pandemic: pedagogical implications

Abstract

Hikikomori are teenagers who decide to completely isolate themselves in their room for long periods of time by refusing any form of contact with the outside world. This particular manifestation of self-exclusion originates in Japan, but in recent decades it has also been gaining ground in non-Asian countries, including Italy. After familiarizing ourselves with the worrying reality of the hikikomori phenomenon, we will try to read it in light of the recent Covid-19 pandemic. That is, we will try to understand if the pandemic has played a certain role in the onset of the problem, in the increase in cases and in the worsening of those already existing or if the condition of self-exclusion is independent of the pandemic and, consequently, more linked to a close correlation between individual and contextual variables. After outlining the different possible scenarios that can arise from the hikikomori-pandemic relationship, we will try to shed some light on their pedagogical implications in order to grasp valuable information that can help limit the risk of the onset of different and multiple problems.