Study reveals identity struggles among socially withdrawn youth in Finland

A recent study from the University of Helsinki explores how socially withdrawn youth develop their identities through suffering. According to the research, particularly among young men who isolate themselves, their sense of self is often characterized by psychological and social deficiencies, as well as a fatalistic victim mentality. The researcher, Artti Kellokumpu, based his work on discussions from the Hikikomero forum, which focuses on socially withdrawn individuals and is part of a larger online community.

One of the key findings indicates that these youths are losing faith in both other people and societal structures. For them, the social world can feel menacing. Kellokumpu notes that withdrawal can serve as a defense mechanism, where young individuals rebel against or escape from society. Additionally, suffering becomes a method of resistance against societal norms.

The study reveals that socially withdrawn young men often struggle with feelings of jealousy and anger towards others, coupled with challenges in forming sexual relationships. Many of these men perceive women as competing with each other for men’s attention. Moreover, they view today’s liberal society as primarily serving the interests of women, affluent men, and migrants, which fuels a longing for more conservative and masculine solutions.

Unemployment adds another layer of stigma these young men confront. The study shows they view finding work as difficult and tend to resist rehabilitative job programs. For many, society paints a grim picture, and rather than turning to political opposition, their dissatisfaction manifests as withdrawal, stemming from a perceived lack of allies and opportunities.