Online Social Support Programs for NEET Youth: A Qualitative Case Study of Participants' Experiences

초록

This study examines the experiences of NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) youth who participated in online-based social support programs in South Korea. Guided by social support theory and computer-mediated communication (CMC) theory, the study adopts a qualitative case study approach focusing on a nonprofit organization that provides innovative online social support programs for NEET youth. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 13 program participants and analyzed using NVivo-based thematic analysis. The findings identify four key thematic dimensions: motivations for participation, key processes of program engagement, program strategies, and perceived outcomes. Participants joined the program seeking a sense of belonging, opportunities to rebuild daily routines, and support for pursuing personal aspirations. The program's emphasis on respect, empowerment, and peer support created a psychologically safe online environment that facilitated gradual changes in participants' daily habits, self-efficacy, social relationships, and career development. These findings suggest that online social support programs may represent a particularly effective intervention for NEET youth who hesitate to engage in face-to-face activities due to stigma associated with their NEET status. The study provides practical implications for the design of youth intervention programs and policies aimed at supporting socially withdrawn youth.

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