ABSTRACT 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provides practical implications for the design of youth intervention programs and policies aimed at supporting socially withdrawn youth.
Bae et al. (2026) studied this question.
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