The plight of Japan's hikikomori
Im not sure these people are mentaly ill.  In the past such people were lauded as important thinkers.  A monk living a minimalist life was not sick.  Hermits living alone, most always in pathetic circumstances, were consulted for thier wisdom.  How many of our great religeous leaders spent some years huddled in a cave alone?  These people may not be normal, but i dont think this is a new problem... if it even is one.<p>Not everyone gets to have a good job, a wife, kids and a house.  Our society is very competative.  There are worse reactions than becoming withdrawn.  These people are not violent.  They are not addicted to drugs.  They are not in prison.  There are far worse social ills.<p>And lighthouse keepers.  That used to be a thing.