Text: Joey / Euijeong
Graphics: Anni Hakkarainen
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Neverland syndrome is a new word that originated from the Book ‘Trend Korea 2023.’
Neverland is the fictional island where Peter Pan and his friends live and never grow up. Named after “Neverland”, the trend of the number of people who refuse to get old is increasing in society these days is called ‘Neverland syndrome.’ Neverland syndrome is a cultural phenomenon where people choose to pursue happiness in their own way, sometimes like a child, without confining themselves within the boundary of being an adult. Affected peoples’ goal is often to find the key to unraveling their own mixed feelings and relieving their weary mind state.
Korea is also entering a period in time where nobody wants to grow any older. For example, a lot of Lego fanatics in Korea are in their 40s and are eager enough to visit the Lego headquarters and buy expensive toys. A few years ago, there was a giant rubber duck in Seokchon lake because of the ‘Rubber Duck public art project.’ The ‘Rubber Duck’ public art project was created by Dutch artist Florentijin Hofman and has been exhibited in 16 countries since its creation in 2007. Normally, rubber ducks are yellow dolls designed for children who don’t like taking baths. But he turned it into an art piece and had it floating on the lake Seokchon. The project garnered over five million visitors at that time. Not long ago there were several lockdowns during the pandemic, with many consumers enjoying more disposable income and time than they would usually have. Sales of games, puzzles and construction kits boomed, with a significant number of those purchases being made by adults as well. It was no longer strange for many adults to enjoy themselves in the same ways as children do.
’Neverland syndrome’ is a value-neutral term that refers to a phenomenon in which all members of society consider themselves younger than their age and enjoy being called a ’kidult.’
Effects of Neverland syndrome
Return to ‘childhood’
Nowadays, there are many adults who enjoy playing with toys such as Legos, RCs Cars, etc. We can call them ‘Kidult’ which is a compound word with Kid and Adult. Kidult culture is becoming a hugely popular trend for adults. Most adults today still remember playing with toys in their childhood and they miss it. For example, building Lego is also more than just a hobby for many people and has been used as a way for stressed adults to unwind, and even as a way for seniors to maintain dexterity. Therefore, the popularity of toys as a wellness product has increased.
Refuse to get ‘old’
Keeping a youthful mindset, no matter how old you are, has become a wonderful thing. For example, trying new things as much as possible and pushing yourself in a good way. Recently even the number of young executives big companies recruit is also larger than in the past. It is believed that maintaining one’s work-life balance is more valuable than getting a high salary and moving up to a higher position.
Why does this syndrome happen?
Why do people want to remain like children even when they are grown up? The two biggest reasons believed to influence this are the emptiness and the longing for childlike innocence in our hearts. People are sometimes completely exhausted from the fierce competition in society, superficial relationships, and their anxiety over an uncertain future. Such tiredness from real life can make them seek somewhere you can sit back a little without any concerns. Like back when you were a child.
Are there any possible side effects?
Peter-Pan syndrome
Peter Pan is a syndrome, a clinical condition of the mind. People who have this seem to never grow up.
The children’s book character Peter Pan takes three London children – Wendy and her two younger brothers Michael and John – to Neverland, a fictional island where he fights Captain Hook with the ”lost boys”. Peter is clueless, takes everything with an unusual and unreal lightness of touch and strictly refuses to grow up. Therefore, he stands as a symbol of childlikeness in James Matthew Barrie’s children’s book.
In psychology, infantility describes a certain lack of inhibition, indiscipline and uncontrolled emotional behavior. In addition, there are defiant behavior patterns, egocentrism and impertinence. Due to these patterns, the clinical picture is referred to as Peter Pan syndrome.
Symptoms of Peter Pan syndrome
People with Peter Pan syndrome tend to struggle with job and career goals and may seem a little bit helpless.
Work-related signs
They may:
Attitude, mood, and behavioral signs
How to stay as a wise Peter Pan in this world
Pleasure without responsibility and independence eventually could result in a sad ending for not only yourself but also the people around you. A life without any sense of achievement might easily become boring and depressing. There are two prerequisites to being a wise Peter Pan in this world: responsibility and independence. The Neverland syndrome mentioned previously could be a mature version of the Peter Pan syndrome. Yes, here’s a second name for the Neverland syndrome: the Wise Peter Pan syndrome.
Stay as a wise Peter Pan!
Maintaining a playful mindset can help reduce stress and improve long-term mental health, so having a child-like, curious personality can certainly have its upsides. A suggestion: Live more spontaneously like you’re on an adventure and enjoy the small things. So you may find more value and joy, not only in life but in yourself.
끝으로, 오늘 하루도 각자의 삶을 열심히 살아가는 나의 가족과 친구들에게, 쉽지 않은 현실 속에서 기어코 자신만의 즐거움을 찾아내는 우리 사회의 피터 팬들에게, 그리고 한 달 뒤 다시 한국으로 돌아가 또 다른 시작을 준비할 나에게 응원의 마음을 전한다.