日本经济下行期，年轻人用冷漠对抗社会

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the social and economic challenges faced by the younger generation in Japan, highlighting the increasing alienation in interpersonal relationships, workplace dynamics, and intimate connections due to prolonged economic stagnation and changing societal norms [2][3]. Group 1: Intergenerational Conflict - The phenomenon of "hatred towards the elderly" was first documented in Japan's Cabinet Office white paper in 2014, with 41% of the 15-29 age group viewing older adults as a societal burden [5]. - The dependency ratio in Japan has drastically changed, from 5.8 working-age individuals supporting one elderly person in 1990 to an expected 1.3 by 2050 [5]. - Economic stagnation has led to a growing divide between generations, with younger individuals feeling disillusioned about intergenerational contracts due to their bleak job prospects and the burden of supporting an aging population [7][8]. Group 2: Workplace Relationships - The traditional "lifetime employment" model has been eroded, with the proportion of formal employees dropping from 81% in 1990 to 63% in 2021, while non-regular employees aged 20-34 increased from 17% to 36% during the same period [10]. - The shift towards temporary contracts has resulted in a more transactional workplace culture, where colleagues often do not form close relationships and may not even remember each other's names [12][13]. - The concept of "silent resignation" has emerged, where employees only fulfill basic job responsibilities without engaging in additional workplace socialization [14]. Group 3: Breakdown of Intimate Relationships - According to a 2022 survey, 70% of unmarried men and 60% of unmarried women aged 18-34 reported having no romantic partners, with 42% of men and 35% of women stating they do not wish to date [16]. - Economic pressures have led to a reevaluation of the value of intimate relationships, resulting in a rise in single-person consumption and services catering to solitary lifestyles [18]. - The phenomenon of "single parasitism," where young adults live with their parents without meaningful interaction, reflects a broader trend of emotional detachment in personal relationships [19]. Group 4: Loneliness as a Passive Choice - The article suggests that the changes in interpersonal relationships are not merely due to individual apathy but are a natural adjustment of society under prolonged economic stagnation [22]. - Loneliness is framed as a survival strategy imposed by the economic environment, prompting individuals to retreat into their own spaces when security is lacking [22].