A recent study conducted by the CNR-Irpps and published in the magazine Nature, has painted an alarming picture on the condition of Italian teenagers. Research highlighted a significant increase in the phenomenon of social retreat, with an increasing number of young people who tend to isolate themselves and limit social interactions, recalling the Japanese social phenomenon of the hikikomori to the mind.
The analysis of the data made it possible to identify three profiles of teenagers: the “social butterflies”, the “friend-centrs” and “lone wolves”. It is precisely within the latter group that a worrying increase has been recorded. Between 2019 and 2022, the number of teenagers who no longer attend their friends outside the school almost doubled, going from 5.6% to 9.7%.
“Previous studies of our research group had already clarified the causes of some negative effects of the change of the accelerated social interactions of the Covid-19 pandemic, which exacerbated the transposition of human relationships towards the virtual sphere“, explains Antonio Tintori, among the authors of the work together with Loredana Cerbara and Giulia Ciancimino of the Musa research group of the CNR-Irpps. “It has been seen in particular that hyperconnection, i.e. overexposure to social media, has a primary role in this corrosive process of interaction and adolescent identity and subsequently individual psychological well -being. Hyperconnection is mainly responsible for the self -isolation and of the explosion of youthful suicidal ideations. The study shows that not only from 2019 to 2022 the young people who are limited to the attendance of school in their lives have been drastically increased, but also in the adolescent world the habit of spending leisure face to face with friends has significantly decreased: The “lone wolves” are even tripled in 3 years, passing from 15 to 39.4%“.
The study has identified several factors unleashing social retreat:
Hyperconnection: The excessive use of social media and internet dependence can lead to social isolation and a decrease in face -to -face interactions.
Cyberbullying: Being a victim of cyberbullying can cause a deep sense of solitude and fear, pushing young people to isolate themselves.
Low self -esteem: dissatisfaction with one’s physical appearance and social pressures can erode self -esteem and encourage social retreat.
Relational difficulties: problems in relating to parents, teachers and peers can make it difficult for teenagers to build significant relationships.
Face the phenomenon of the social withdrawal requires a multidisciplinary approach. Prevention is fundamental: to promote educational and social activities that favor the development of relational skills from an early age can reduce the risk of isolation. The school environment has a crucial role: a positive and supportive school climate can make a difference for students who feel marginalized. The involvement of families is essential: parents must be supported and guided in facing the educational challenges related to the digital era. Finally, for teenagers who present more serious symptoms, personalized therapeutic intervention is necessary. Social retreat may have long -term negative consequences on the mental health of teenagers, increasing the risk of depression, anxiety and eating disorders. In addition, it can compromise the social and professional development of individuals.
Illustration made with Dall-E