Should I do an experiment where I pretend to live in my living room for 5 days?
Cogito
That would be pointless. At present, I can rarely leave my room at all, as I can't walk more than a few steps. Once I get my knee operations done, I'll be able to get out again but for the past year, I've often spent several weeks in a row without leaving my room. It's no big deal.
Anonymous
It is not something unique to Japan. I don't even think it is more common there. Agoraphobia is a type of anxiety disorder. A person with agoraphobia is afraid to leave environments they know and consider to be safe for fear of having anxiety or a panic attack. Untreated, agoraphobia can severely reduce a person’s quality of life. For example: Activities outside of the home such as work, school, socialising, hobbies and many forms of exercise are out of reach. Financial hardship, isolation, loneliness and boredom may lead to greater feelings of distress and increase the risk of depression. The person may recognise that their fear is irrational, but feel powerless to do anything about it. They may feel angry and frustrated with themselves. These negative feelings damage self-esteem and contribute to depression, and other anxieties and fears. The person may try to cope using unhealthy methods (such as comfort eating, drugs or alcohol), which in turn can cause or contribute to further health problems.
Anonymous
Most shut-ins have more of an apathy for the outside world than fear of socializing. They don't see the point in competing in a society where only the top percent are fairly awarded for their efforts.
Gypsyfish
Pretend to do it or actually do it? You can do it- but there's some risk. I was just reading about an experiment in the 60s where 3 people stayed in a bomb shelter for just a few days. It really affected their mental health, and they ended up not being willing to do anything but sit, including making their own food.
Anonymous
It’s agoraphobia
Sir Caustic
It's amazing, it really is. The more idiotic a question is the more answers it seems to get. Fascinating.
Stella
I don't think it's a fear of socializing as much as a reaction to pressure. Japanese culture can be extreme in the expectations that they put on young people. Every kid is supposed to be valedictorian. Every kid is supposed to attend a top college and graduate school. At the same time, parents are overprotective. If the kid expresses an interest in something different, he or she may be discouraged from pursuing it. It sort of makes sense that some kids just decide not to pursue anything. Some wealthy Americans may not be far behind in the way they push their offspring.
j
You could also do an experiment where you turn your calendar forward 5 days and pretend you've stayed in your living room for 5 days. According to "Gypsyfish," that might be safer. Alternatively, you could keep a blog about it, and name it "Kjelstad." An especially good idea right now, if you are living in the great Northeast or Chicagoland. Semi-related: The Path of Silence; The Path of the Higher Self; One Hundred Years of Solitude.
Kjelstad
As long as you stay off the god damn internet.
gooseman
Agoraphobia is treatable with Benzodiazepines. But if you're any shade of brown. Say, if you look Italian, or maybe some kind of Spanish. You will be turned away because you are suspect of drug seeking behavior. And they will tell you to chug a bottle of St. John's Worth and stfu. .
Homeschool produces winners
There is an actual term for it. It's called "Agoraphobia" There are literally thousands of case studies and testimonies on the internet. Cases of agoraphobia occur all over the world. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/agoraphobia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355987 They made a movie called "Blast from the Past' where a family stayed in a fallout shelter for 35 years. You are right., it is a spectacular romantic comedy when the 35 year old son emerges.