Passive Social Media Use Is Associated with Social Withdrawal (“Hikikomori”) Vulnerability in Autistic and Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder Young Adults

Abstract

Autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are neurodevelopmental conditions associated with social communication differences and distinctive patterns of online engagement. Both conditions have been linked to increased risk of social withdrawal, yet little research has examined hikikomori vulnerability—a continuum of withdrawal-related tendencies—within a transdiagnostic digital context. This study investigated hikikomori vulnerability among UK-based young adults with autism or ADHD and examined how active and passive social media use and online gaming relate to withdrawal vulnerability. A total of 101 participants aged 18–24 with self-reported diagnoses of autism (n = 52) or ADHD (n = 49) completed the Hikikomori Questionnaire (HQ-25M) alongside self-estimates of active and passive online engagement. Although total online time did not differ between groups, autistic participants reported significantly higher overall hikikomori vulnerability than those with ADHD, driven by greater socialization difficulties and physical isolation. Differences in patterns of online engagement were observed at the level of effect sizes, with autistic participants tending toward greater passive social media use and less gaming with others. Across the full sample, passive social media use was positively associated with overall hikikomori vulnerability, particularly the Isolation and Emotional Support dimensions, whereas active social media use showed no such associations. Isolation was additionally correlated with gaming with others. These findings support a transdiagnostic, coping-motivated model of digital engagement, suggesting that passive online behaviors are associated with withdrawal vulnerability across neurodevelopmental conditions. The results extend motivational frameworks of Internet use to hikikomori vulnerability and highlight the importance of balanced and more active forms of digital engagement in relation to withdrawal-related experiences among neurodivergent young adults.