As participants are often criticized for a lack of morals (see description below), many new adults decide not to participate, or react tepidly to the ceremony, saying: 'we don't want to be regarded in the same way [as violent new adults], ' 'it's just a gathering of kids who want to show off,' or because 'it's unfair that the new adult that recites the vows in the ceremony is usually the son or daughter of someone concerned with the organization of the ceremony.'
また、後述のモラルに対する批判から、敢えて出席を控えたり、「（荒れている新成人たちと）一緒にされたくない」「単なる目立ちたがり屋な餓鬼の集まり」「（誓いの言葉などで）登場する新成人は関係者の息子、娘」と冷ややかに見ている新成人も多い。