I found an interesting article and wanted to know your psychological take on it.
Shoji Morimoto who rents himself out to other people “to do nothing,” is seen standing near Nakano Station in Tokyo’s Nakano Ward.
Is social isolation the bane of modern lifestyle?
@venu There are many other services like ’ Rent a girl friend’, rent an uncle and cuddle cafes….these concepts are less about “fake people” and more about giving companionship, non-judgmental listening, and emotional therapy in a society where people often feel isolated or pressured.
Experiences of Moral Distress by Privately Hired “Companions” in Long-Term Care Settings (Ontario, Canada)
While not exactly the same type of “rented companionship” as a friend service, this study examines paid companions in care homes, and how they experience moral distress because of system constraints, ethical tensions, and invisibility in the healthcare system. It indicates that even when companionship is paid and formalized, there are serious emotional and ethical issues for both sides. Here’s a link to the article-
How I cannot disagree
Honestly, I don’t find it strange,…
Instead I see it as a mirror of today’s time… that people today are paying not for advice or fun, but simply for presence.
Many a times I feel, it is the social isolation the biggest silent pandemic. Today we have technology, comfort, video calls, yet our hearts are starving for real connections.
This reminds me of an elderly patient telling me during lockdown,
“डॉक्टर साहिबा, अब तो आदत पड़ गई है ख़ुद से बातें करने की… फ़ोन में लोग बहुत हैं, पर सुनने वाला कोई नहीं।”
Her words pierced me…she did not look for advice, instead just wanted someone to sit besides her.
Another young professional said,
“I don’t need you to talk… just let me sit quietly here. Your silence feels safer than my office or even home.”
Isn’t this exactly what Morimoto is offering?
I think most people today don’t need solutions, what they need is safe company, an absolute non-judgmental, pressure-free presence.
“संगति ही संस्कार बनाती है।”
When we lack true company, loneliness eats us like slow poison, and then we try to fill it with scrolling, binge-watching or even renting strangers.
But still there’s hope…that if one man in Tokyo can heal thousands just by “doing nothing,” imagine what we all can do by simply listening, smiling, or offering our time.
Sometimes, the greatest medicine is not words, but presence.
Shoji Morimoto may have started this for whatever reason but its heartening to see him provide solace to the lonely.
I am not sure of other cultures,but i think in India,lonliness stems from neuclear families,ambitious pursuits,fake lifestyle to fit into the social norms and relationships with no regard for core values.
We can debate and lecture on this issue,but finally as a fellow human “What can i do?” Is important.
There is a Quote"Charity begins at home".
One needs to ask themselves…
Do i have the time for my aged parents?
Can i lend a ear to my sibling?
Can i be nonjudgemental towards my partner?
Can i spend a few moments to understand the feelings of my collegue?
Simple acts of kindness can go a long way is converting lonliness to heatfullness.