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Zeraph · 02-13-2006, 06:21 PM

I see this word being misused or used differently a lot on this forum, and thought we should clear it up and all decide on the definition.

To my understanding introversion is not shyness, antisocial behavior, or social ineptness. Even though these are things that commonly result from it.

To keep it simple, Introversion/extroversion has to do with stimulation, an introvert has high internal stimulation, and an extrovert has low internal stimulation. This causes an introvert to dislike extra stimulation in social situations, in a sense they get drained or stressed from being in crowds and groups.

An extrovert has lower internal stimulation and therefore seeks to stimulate themselves by being around extra people, they tend to be better socially, but not just because they’re an extrovert, it's because they tend to spend more time in groups (especially from a younger age) and therefore tend to be better (but it's not automatic). One can still be a social expert as an introvert, and an extrovert be a social idiot.

Think of it like a scale.

|
| Introvert - high stimulation (internal) resting level
|
| optimum stimulation level
|
| Extrovert - low stimulation (internal) resting level
|

Both seek to be at optimum stimulation level, introverts get there by going down, and extroverts get there by going up. High or low are not inherently better or worse, it is just the state you are naturally (base, resting level) in.

So as you can see, just because youre shy, does not automatically mean you are an introvert, and just because youre socially adept, or enjoy parties, does not automatically make you an extrovert.

I am an introvert, I like people and even like most parties, the only difference is that I still feel drained (I seek to lower my over stimulation), no matter what, after being around crowds, parties, and even friends. I need my alone time to recuperate (get back to my arousal/stimulation comfort level).

Almost certainly, some people are in between and are not clearly one or the other, so you may not be able to tell what you are yourself. Focus on trying to figure out if you get energized by simply being around crowds/groups/people, or feel the need to be alone (in normal states as well, not just if you’re emotionally upset or something). Try not to get confused with other factors that may reinforce stress relief in social situations like drugs and alcohol. And alone time means alone, even from SOs and family.

Well I hoped this help some, I've been wanting to post about it for awhile now but hadn't really had the time. Do you agree/disagree? Did this help clear anything up?

02-13-2006, 06:21 PM	#1 (permalink)
Zeraph Banned Location: The Cosmos	Let's clear up the term introversion I see this word being misused or used differently a lot on this forum, and thought we should clear it up and all decide on the definition. To my understanding introversion is not shyness, antisocial behavior, or social ineptness. Even though these are things that commonly result from it. To keep it simple, Introversion/extroversion has to do with stimulation, an introvert has high internal stimulation, and an extrovert has low internal stimulation. This causes an introvert to dislike extra stimulation in social situations, in a sense they get drained or stressed from being in crowds and groups. An extrovert has lower internal stimulation and therefore seeks to stimulate themselves by being around extra people, they tend to be better socially, but not just because they’re an extrovert, it's because they tend to spend more time in groups (especially from a younger age) and therefore tend to be better (but it's not automatic). One can still be a social expert as an introvert, and an extrovert be a social idiot. Think of it like a scale. \| \| Introvert - high stimulation (internal) resting level \| \| optimum stimulation level \| \| Extrovert - low stimulation (internal) resting level \| Both seek to be at optimum stimulation level, introverts get there by going down, and extroverts get there by going up. High or low are not inherently better or worse, it is just the state you are naturally (base, resting level) in. So as you can see, just because youre shy, does not automatically mean you are an introvert, and just because youre socially adept, or enjoy parties, does not automatically make you an extrovert. I am an introvert, I like people and even like most parties, the only difference is that I still feel drained (I seek to lower my over stimulation), no matter what, after being around crowds, parties, and even friends. I need my alone time to recuperate (get back to my arousal/stimulation comfort level). Almost certainly, some people are in between and are not clearly one or the other, so you may not be able to tell what you are yourself. Focus on trying to figure out if you get energized by simply being around crowds/groups/people, or feel the need to be alone (in normal states as well, not just if you’re emotionally upset or something). Try not to get confused with other factors that may reinforce stress relief in social situations like drugs and alcohol. And alone time means alone, even from SOs and family. Well I hoped this help some, I've been wanting to post about it for awhile now but hadn't really had the time. Do you agree/disagree? Did this help clear anything up?