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Why is introversion considered negative to begin with? I am not shy I just don't like to be around people all the time (I think out loud as well). Thinking out loud requires me to be alone (which I don't mind as the online world gives me enough socialization trust me I'd rather be talking to someone via facebook then face to face (misunderstandings are avoided when things are in writing)). Yet I am told to be more social where as social isolation is what I prefer in that it takes a lot of work to maintain a social network. Yet I see successful people with a strong social network so this is confusing to me. Plus this thinking out loud has gotten me in trouble with some extraverts in that I ask questions in class (they feel that it slows the lecturer down) but I know that it is the way I learn & logical.
THE BASICS
Are introversion and shyness the same thing? When I interviewed Wellesley College psychologist Jonathan Cheek, he said it depends on who you ask. So I next asked Louis A. Schmidt, director of the Child Emotion Laboratory at McMaster University, who studies the biological underpinnings of personality, especially shyness.
"Though in popular media they're often viewed as the same, we know in the scientific community that, conceptually or empirically, they're unrelated," Schmidt says.
The two get confused because they both are related to socializing-but lack of interest in socializing is very clearly not the same as fearing it. Schmidt and Arnold H. Buss of the University of Texas wrote a chapter titled "Understanding Shyness" for the upcoming book The Development of Shyness and Social Withdrawal. There they write, "Sociability refers to the motive, strong or weak, of wanting to be with others, whereas shyness refers to behavior when with others, inhibited or uninhibited, as well as feelings of tension and discomfort." This differentiation between motivation and behavior is consistent with the ability many of us have to behave like extroverts when we choose, whereas shy people cannot turn their shyness off and on.
In addition, when Cheek and Buss administered a questionnaire measuring shyness vs. low sociability to 947 college students, they found a very low correlation between shyness and low sociability--just because you're shy doesn't mean you don't want to be around people, and vice versa. (Subsequent measures, with additional items on the shyness scale, showed higher correlations, but the two were still very clearly different.)
In teasing apart various aspects of sociability and shyness, Schmidt and Buss describe introverts as "low on social approach and low on social avoidance." So although we don't pursue interaction, we're not afraid of it, either. Like we've been saying.
And, says Schmidt, "When we look at the interaction between shyness and introversion and treat those as two unrelated dimensions, it's as though each independent measure is adding unique variants to behavior." So someone who is introverted and shy will behave differently from someone who is introverted and not shy, who will behave differently from someone who is extroverted and shy, who will behave differently from someone who is extroverted and not shy. These distinctions help explain the range of behaviors and emotions people describe in the comments on this blog-some people sound bold, some timid, some are comfortable with their attitudes towards socializing, some long to be different.
Schmidt studies children from birth to age 12 and says that there are biological components to both shyness and levels of sociability, although shy children don't always stay shy. "There is a degree of malleability, although there are limits to it," he says. "We find that more shy children tend to grow out of their shyness than sociable children tending to become shy." He says introversion has not been studied in detail yet but says, "If I were to speculate, I think you'd see less change in introvert personality style."
So, I am convinced. My introversion is not shyness, although I do sometimes feel shy. (I'm not sure yet under what circumstances I become bashful-more to think about.) And I speculate that people who claim to have conquered introversion may instead have conquered shyness without actually becoming extroverts--if they were, in fact, introverts to begin with. Maybe they were just shy.
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Indifferent
I am in several ways like you but over time i have to realize that online socialization is not exactly the same as physical socialization. online socialization never really get to fill the need to socialize and it sort of bring about other issues. I have had to reduce my online socialization drastically and move out to socialize and i must say it pretty fulfilling.
Introversion *IS* negative
Introversion *IS* negative ... for the same exact reason why needing to wear glasses is bad - because no one wants it.
If you could snap your fingers and be 10% less, or more, introverted which would you choose?
Well it's obvious. And if you say "well neither because I got used to it" then I say "Why did you have to get used to it if it wasn't undesirable?"
People need to challenge their introversion. The simple reason is that less yokes mean more opportunity both conventionally (money, health, etc.) and existentially (relationships).
Please stop playing the 'accept me as I am' game - because this is something people should work on.
Please commit to the business of quality of life. Just because everyone is equal as a human doesn't mean we should self-sabotage improving our lot in life.
Introversion
As someone who grew up being an introvert I agree with your standpoint. it came to a point in my life i realised that being an introvert was cost me a lot an would cost me much more later on. i had to consciously work on it. Its not automatic but its possible and i can say right now that i wouldn't have wanted it any other way. But we have to be careful not to stigmatize the introverts because it would make it difficult for them to go for this change
negativity
Well, one of the goals of this blog is to better understand and own our introversion and develop and articulate strategies to function in an extroverted world-and to push back against the negative perception of introversion.
I also very much enjoy online interaction, including Facebook, but I don't prefer it to face-to-face. (I definitely prefer it to the telephone.) I find a good visit with a good friend nourishing in a very deep and important way. However, I think I prefer FB to large parties for interaction with groups of people.
I have also noticed the benefits of a large social network. We'll have to ponder that. I think for this, FB and the Internet in general are godsends for introverts.
I also tended to be the person inclined to ask "too many" questions in class. Too bad for the people who dislike it. They can deal with it. It's my education,too, and I paid just as much tuition. Although if the topic was particularly difficult for me and I had lots of questions, I would ask them after class or during the prof's office hours, not only to be polite to classmates but also because asking lots of questions made me more conspicuous than I like.
A bit skeptical about large social networks
Not that I think they're a bad thing, just that they may be a bit overrated.
For example, we've all heard that 70% of jobs are achieved by "networking", right? But where does that figure come from? I haven't seen the research. And what counts as "networking"...ie if my friend points out a want ad that I missed, is that "networking"?
My point is that since extroversion is the norm in this society, it may be that people are assuming that extroverted tactics are the best for achieving success. And these assumptions can influence everything, including scientific research.
So I always wonder a bit when people insist that large social networks are essential. Wouldn't that depend upon the person in question?
"I also very much enjoy
"I also very much enjoy online interaction, including Facebook, but I don't prefer it to face-to-face. (I definitely prefer it to the telephone.)"
I agree! Why is it that I'm fine with Facebook, texting, and talking face-to-face, but I don't like talking on the phone? I practically avoid picking it up, unless I think it might be important. Anyone have any ideas as to why this is?
I am the exact same way, and
I am the exact same way, and I think I have a good explanation as to why. It's the combination of the lack of visual social cues combined with the immediacy of the interaction.
In my case, I am absolutely TERRIBLE at reading someone's tone of voice. I used to be awful at reading facial expressions and body language as well, but I found it was easier to pick up on those than to figure out what one's tone of voice means. Forget about sarcasm though. I either miss it entirely or assume someone is being sarcastic when they aren't. I'm apparently not very good at conveying sarcasm with my own voice either, no one ever seems to be able to tell when I'm being sarcastic either. I have offended SO many people that way. :-P
On the internet, there isn't really a flow of conversation, no room for awkward silence and not being sure when it's your turn to talk. You have time to absorb what someone says, think about it, and formulate your response without feeling pressured to speak immediately (for example, I'm writing this parenthetical during draft 3 of this response). Also, there IS no tone of voice, everyone involved in the conversation has a similar handicap, so I don't feel like I"m missing out on something.
On the telephone, I can't see someone's body language, I can't interpret his or her tone of voice, and I can't figure out when it's my turn to talk. Even telephone conversations with my own husband, whom I've known since I was 12 years old (we're now 27) are full of awkward pauses. For the record, he's an introvert too, and he detests talking on the phone. Some of my most awkward phone conversations are with my own husband, go figure. ;-)
When I was in college I had an internship at a small PR firm. One day I was supposed to go down a list of media contacts and call them all to discuss a particular product. About halfway down the list I felt so psychologically drained that the thought of making another call nearly gave me a panic attack. Even in my job now, when I have to contact someone, a telephone call is usually reserved as a last resort.
Stephanie everything you
Stephanie everything you describe in your post would make perfect sense if you are autistic.
Highly Sensitive People
Dr. Elaine Aron and her research into Highly Sensitive People gives some great insight regarding the differences between shyness and introversion. Her website is a great resource for more information - www.highlysensitivepeople.com
Nice post
It's really cool and looking forward to read mobdro apk download more about it.
Shy reply
Lynette, does the following distinction jibe with the HSP research?
• Introversion is an ABSENCE OF DESIRE to socialize. Introversion is grounded in managing (external) stimulation.
• Shyness is a DESIRE TO BE ABSENT from socializing. Shyness is grounded in (internal) fears.
great post
Great post. My whole life I have been called "shy" but often people confused that with introverted. I believe my social anxiety was especially painful because I crave extroversion. I love being a part of social gatherings but until I got treatment for my social anxiety I was so uncomfortable that I avoided the very thing I craved. Having this disconnect was awful. People that know me now can't believe I was ever "shy". It feels wonderful to have my extroverted need finally match up with my social confidence.
curious to know how you got
curious to know how you got rid of your anxiety? cbt or something else?
social networks: pro and con
A fascinating comment and one that deserves further discussion...I will put that into my file of future posts. Thanks!
social anxiety
Thanks very much for this comment, too. It certainly confirms the idea that people who are extroverted and shy have the greatest internal discomfort--and that doing the work to have the motivation and behavior in synchrony is worthwhile.
Add new comment | Psychology Today
Great artiсle.
Social networking an introverted stigma?
Great "corner" topic Sophia. Being an introverted extrovert I enjoy social networking with it's variety of opines and info sites. Altho because I prefer this "stigma" (as my former "bar" friends disdainly have it) over spending time with them, I have earned their sully as anti-social. (I think it cost me a marriage, no internet "hanky- panky" here.)
Does social networking fuel an introverted anti-social environ in the security (an introversion parameter) it provides through anonymity vs eye to eye contact?
I guess there's the non verbal language bit that the personal social interactions offer.( a picture is worth a 1000 words, but a drunk is a drunk no matter what the light)
Very insightful
Insightful article!
I've always considered myself to be both shy and introverted, but I can see now how, while always greatly introverted, my shyness level has varied by large degrees depending on my social network. The more "plugged in" I was, like in larger close groups of friends in college, the less shy I became and the more able to step forward and take on spotlight roles that would normally have had me cringing in fear. The smaller my social network, the more control my shyness has and the harder it is to overcome it, seemingly. Makes TOTAL sense!
I too love online social networking, especially prefer it to the telephone as well, but there really is nothing that fills that one-on-one contact with a close friend or family member. The more people involved in person, however, the less I get out of the experience and the more disengaged I become...I'm seeing that aspect as the introversion at work. The shyness is what causes anxiety and fear in social situations.
Shy introvert here!
As someone who is both shy and introverted, I often feel out of place in this extrovert's world. I've found it frustrating that various people I've met have refused to accept that my introversion is an innate part of my temperament rather than something I could change if I wanted to (which I don't). But I've also noticed that introversion and shyness aren't black and white concepts. There are degrees of both, and one person can be more or less shy or introverted in some situations than they are in others.
In answer to one of the comments above, I think the negativity toward introverts stems from the fact that we're social beings who live in an interdependent society, so interaction with the group is highly valued, whereas withdrawal from the group is condemned.
As for large social networks...eh. I've read that even extroverts only have a few close friends at a time. That seems about right when I think of the extroverts I know. A big social network might come in handy for landing a job or getting a referral to a good doctor, electrician, realtor, or whatever, but it may not be good for much else. People who don't know you well generally don't want to go out of their way for you too much. Occasionally, yes, maybe. But most of the people you rely on on a day-to-day basis will probably be your family and small circle of close friends.
Shyness vs. Introversion
Thanks for the distinction between shyness and introversion. When I tell people I'm introverted people respond, "You're not shy!" or "You're not quiet." They don't believe me when I tell them the two are not the same!!!
a confident introvert
Bravo! Well said. I can be very loud in my defense of someone that I care about, and am not shy I about defending them or myself when need be. I, too, was one of those students who always had their hand up in class. I need full understanding to be able to internally comprehend new knowledge. But, I prefer to watch people, and let my inner thoughts flow. Therefore, social crowds, with posturing are a bore. It is hard to get a gut feeling about what is going on inside of them when they are masking. I am a writer because of this- my introversion. I watch, so I can write about what is going on inside of people. Although, of course, not all writers are introverts- it is just my style. Introversion is a way of processing information, not a test of social ability. Party crowds give too much input to the introvert, our processing takes more time. Therefore, we enjoy small gatherings. And small gatherings help me gather more in depth character study.
The Reason They Do Not Believe You
Look up the definition of Introvert in the Merriam-Webster dictionary. This could be why they don't believe you.
Am I or Am I Not
I always thought I was shy and a bit introverted, but now... After reading your article I actually think I'm neither, but rather more a bit intimidated in certain circumstances. In small groups, I have no problems and as long as there is intelligent conversation, I'm good, too in larger gatherings. My problem is in really large crowds of people that know each other, but not me. I can't seem to see where I fit in to this arrangement. Trim it down to say 6 to 10 people and I'm okay. Guess it's a type social dysfunction/anxiety disorder thing.
Misunderstanding of Introversion
Thanks for all the responses I actually tried something new today (hiding in the back where nobody could hear me). Don't get me wrong I have a social network but I never understood the value placed on it I always felt that one or two good friends are better then a large group because it is too much for me to handle.
Extraverts also need their downtime but they spend it with people on the phone where as the internet is my friend (Being lost in the sea of information & embracing my inner nerd makes me feel (though I wish I could turn off my emotions like Data from Star Trek) like nothing can bother me).
In other words after an exam I'd in my room watching TV (or if they had these at my school gaming on the Xbox 360 for that requires as little social interaction as possible which allows the real me to appear though that is only when others are not around to criticize & judge me thus leading to a full recharge).
An interesting dichotomy
I have actually been talking a lot recently with a friend of mine about extroversion and introversion since it is one of the areas he and i differ in greatly. He is a very extroverted person but is very distrustful of people. He instantly sees some one and passes judgment on them. If they do not register as "cute" or "hot" the get labeled a "creeper" or "nasty". I on the other hand am the introvert of the group who is just as happy sitting at the computer or reading a book then going out and being around a room full of noisy people. However when i see people and he starts judging them i almost feel a compoltion to defend them, pointing out we do not know there situation or the hardships they have been through. Now i am wondering if he might just be shy since his judgments seem to be motivated by fear. Thanks for the interesting article.
Similarly here
JeeZ
You sound like me
Only I never had a TOTALLY extroverted friend but friends that maybe headed there
your comment is RIGHT he seems directed by fear and mistrust
I had a lover once who was two things Alcoholic and Exteme Extrovert
He would go on forever how he mistrusted ppl
Actaually he was the least trustworthy of anybody i ve ever met (ONE exception )
so you SEE s th here?
I d go as far as almost advise you to mistrust yr FRIEND
after that empirical experience
Similarly here
JeeZ
You sound like me
Only I never had a TOTALLY extroverted friend but friends that maybe headed there
your comment is RIGHT he seems directed by fear and mistrust
I had a lover once who was two things Alcoholic and Exteme Extrovert
He would go on forever how he mistrusted ppl
Actaually he was the least trustworthy of anybody i ve ever met (ONE exception )
so you SEE s th here?
I d go as far as almost advise you to mistrust yr FRIEND
after that empirical experience
Wrong concept of Introversion
Introversion/Extroversion does not deal exclusively with socialability. It really deals with how we respond to our environment (which includes how we respond to other people). Extroverts react to their environment and are energized by this reactive scenario. Thus, they enjoy and are energized by interacting in a group of five or six people.
Introverts, however, rather than just racting to their environment, process before responding. They will listen and then process. Then they will process before responding. As a result, an Introvert will prefer to interact with one person (or maybe two) as opposed to interacting with five or six. But they are just as sociable to those one or two as an extrovert is. Sociability is not the issue. The difference is one of reaction to one's environment (Extrovert) ve reflection of one's environment (Introvert).
Please, do not consider introverts unsociable or anti-social.
Once shy but still an introvert
From age two to 14 I was pathologically shy. The idea of being around people made me physically ill, but I powered through it quietly and without help from others. I had a couple close friends and was content to have them with me in social situations. In high school something clicked and I found myself happy in social situations-- as long as they didn't drag on for too long. I had a large group of close friends but avoided some of our social activities because I needed time alone. I also discovered dance, especially ballroom dancing. I can be with others but can avoid boring conversations and immerse myself in my own world while dancing. Now in my early thirties, I accept and enjoy my moments of solitude and thrive in my own imaginative world. I am a teacher and am far from shy speaking in front of large groups, but I avoid planning social activites with others. I am happy with my family and with myself. The ring of my phone is still the most intrusive and annoying sound-- I rarely answer it.
Aging Introversion
Hey Sophia,
Your blog is like my life unfolding. While posting my comment on 'Introverts unite (Quietly)', I forgot to share a delightful piece of my life. It might make the whole introversion-and-relationships topic a little more insightful. So here it is:
For around 3.5 years, I was in love with a man five years elder to me. He was my first job interviewer (I was 22 at that time) and I fell head over heels for him. Being the introvert-bordering-antisocial personality that I am, it was but obvious that I could not muster enough courage to confess my love. Being a writer-of-sort, I would SMS him, asking about his well-being and dropping subtle hints on the go. Once in a month, I would call him up and talk to him for hours (extending to 6 hours always!). We talked about books, literature, life, philosophy....I felt like coming home. He seemed like my second self.... He worked one block away from my workplace, and I met him just thrice at his office gate in those 3.5 years. I sent him gifts and letters, which were always accepted but never a thank-you/I-care-for-you call returned. Sometimes I suggested meeting him, but it never worked out. Then, during one of those conversations, he dropped the bomb....told me he was committed to someone else.
My world fell apart...yet, I was young, and as somebody who valued relationships and people too much (for they were so rare to come by in the first place!!), I could not let go the person whom I thought was like me. So stupidly I kept in touch, living my bit of friendship...with me calling up every time. And yes, it was the most true friendship from my side. Listening to his stories, providing encouragement, sending poems...and bleeding myself to limits in return.
Life moved on, and I kept loving the man, despite my best friend's caveats, sometimes crying, sometimes laughing. So there I was, in my little self-created shell-o'-world.
I never found an answer to this behaviour. When I asked, he always said 'I don't love you but I wish you should have met me years ago'. I could never understand why he always answered my calls, accepted my gifts?? Finally, I came out of my shell and confronted my fear of rejection...rejected, you bet, I was:-).
To come out of this, I changed my job. Things started progressing. But then came another halt....I underwent an eye operation...lasik...which reduced my sensitivity in dim lights. Now, I was perpetually at loss when I have to confront strangers, people at work. Even my ability to converse degraded, though I was not much of a talker even previously. So out of the frying-pan, I was tossed off into the fire!!
Six months ago, I came to know that the man was getting married (but not to the one he was committed to!!!). I could feel his pain, and despite knowing the drain it would be on me and the blow it would render to my arduously created post-rejection world, I met him for the last time. The man asked me to move on and not to ruin his life.
Then I understood the value 'relationships' has in the so-called extroverts' life. This moved me on the path to self-discovery. From being an introvert, I have become anti-social...I evolved!!!!
Now I have directed all my energies inwards....I draw, paint, write poetry, and love photography. It seems like some roadblocks actually make you find your way. These two experiences gave me the courage to face a lifetime....So what if introverts are hurt most by break-ups (and usually they are the ones who cared the most), at least they live life with utter honesty and self-righteousness.
If only people could understand what a 'gem' such 'anti-socials' are!!! Going to lengths to nurture a relationship, yet hit the hardest...But then time heals all...and you emerge stronger and wiser.
Today, I am wary of getting into relationships for the insensitivity and ignorance that introverts face every single day. But then, I have 'Me'.
So all those introverts who have suffered and are suffering in failed relationships, remember it's not 'YOUR' fault....
Thanks for this blog, Sophia:-)
Keep posting!!
Regards.
Vandana (vandna2084@yahoo.co.in)
Aging Introversion
Sophia,
I completely understand. I'm 50 this year, and I'm hoping the rest of my life will bear out my self-acceptance of introversion and my openness to all of the good qualities lying within. I used to lament not being extroverted and the futility I felt in knowing my real desire was time alone to read, to paint, etc. I had family members tell me I should come out of my shell, never accepting of me. I try to be more forgiving towards them since it was probably out of concern. My paternal grandmother had the very same temperament as I do, and I believe this is simply heredity.
Peace
Introversion?
@Sophia:
Being an introvert myself, I can say that very different methods need to be employed in order to achieve the same results as the extrovert. But, it is possible to succeed, in spite of the common stereotype given to the introvert. We definitely have our strong points. We just need to know how to recognize them and learn how to use them. Social skills will become more natural if you are persistent at practicing them. Then, when we are all done with that extrovert stuff, we can comfortably crawl back under our respective rocks. No, we don't really change. I also found some other good information on this subject at:
http://relationshipcapital.co/op/?utm_src=bl
Is my child shy or introverted?
Sophia,
My daughter, aged 12, is extremely uncomfortable in the presence of people she doesn't deal with often. She avoids all situations where focus is likely to be on her. Recently, she wanted to leave a party where all guests (elders and children included - all new to her) were expected to introduce themselves. She continued only when I assured her that she need not introduce herself. She is a gifted singer, but doesn't want to sing alone on stage. She doesn't go to Sunday school (although she goes to School on the other days without a fuss). She has very few friends. Is she shy or introverted? When she was a younger, we parents felt that school would help her overcome her 'shyness', but that has not happened. If she is indeed shy, does she need some special care to come out of it? We are getting a bit worried...
is she unhappy?
Hi Prabhu,
Sorry, I overlooked this comment. Is your daughter lonely and unhappy about the way she is, or is she fine about it? Sometimes it's other people who worry about people with few friends or who are not outgoing, whereas the introvert herself is perfectly satisfied. Perhaps your daughter is the one to ask.
Thank you Sophia. She seems
Thank you Sophia. She seems perfectly fine with having less friends or with the way she is. Incidentally, she did make a new friend in the neighbourhood last week. But I guess we need to watch and ask her how she feels. Will get back to you. Thanks again for the response.
Prabhu
high avoidance = shyness?
I don't think that avoiding social situations necessarily indicates shyness. Granted, I don't know how they measured this exactly, but if you are already uninterested in something, wouldn't you tend to avoid it in excess? I find often that if I'm tired, or pissed off, or depressed, and let's say I see someone I know but from enough distance they can't spot me, I'll try to avoid them just because I'm thinking "ugh they're gonna ask how I'm doing and to keep in touch more and start getting into a long conversation, I really don't have the tolerance for that right now..." LOL. Sometimes it just seems like work to me (which I think is pretty characteristic of introversion?) So I avoid the "effort."
As far as it being different from shyness, I always tell people that -- i.e. friends who have implied (or outwardly stated) that I'm shy. I hate being told that, because I believe a lot of the "stigma" (too strong a word maybe?) attached to introversion is because it's associated with shyness, and shyness is kind of seen as a socialization deficit. lol. But at least the irony for me is that I feel like there is so much talk about men being shy around attractive women (or perhaps women in general)...social anxiety, fear of rejection, and all that. I have the opposite problem! I find it difficult to talk to men probably about 90% of the time, because men don't tend to just start talking and openly socializing....might sound like a generalization, but really that's the problem, I end up deadlocked with men, because it's just unnatural for me to approach men and start small talk... okay, in general I am not a fan of small talk. haha. I'm not sure what it is, but women are easier for me to have conversations with.. of any substance. lol, also, it kind of bothers me for a few reasons... I think it misrepresents me, or at least potentially can, as being "sensitive".. or shy! And it goes back to not wanting to be stigmatized as shy or to the extreme, socially inept... I'm actually not really a sensitive type, I think I tend to come off as nicer and less emotionally shallow than I really am :P Or perhaps people will assume that the only reason I'd have more friendships with heterosexual women than with men, is because I have ulterior motives? Or they might just assume I'm gay. LOL.
Anyway, I also find I sometimes become MORE outgoing, around women I am attracted to, which kind of is self-destructive really, because I don't want to be friends with girls I'm actually into... because I don't consider committed relationships a priority right now, and in light of what I just described about how people perceive me, I actually worry that if I get "too sociable" I might mislead them, especially considering I have a tendency to get very flirty. :P So despite being more outgoing I'm also more avoidant. haha.
Maybe introversion is also seen in a negative light because it might be perceived as aloofness, or that someone is antisocial? I've been accused of those things myself, to the point that now I just make fun of the stereotypes and tell friends "guess what I just did... shows how antisocial I am..." lol. There's some sort of expectation to be cordial and friendly, and I guess I can see how introversion can easily be misinterpreted as going directly against that. Or maybe I'm just an anomaly and I'm the only one who's introverted that also at times actively avoids socializing...
shyness is part of the emotional instability/neuroticism
Yes, people do make confusions between introversion and shyness. The Big Five personality theory, though, makes a clear distinction between the two and not just at a theoretical level, but at an empirical one. Introversion and Extraversions are traits which tell us how people experience positive emotions (though this separation between positive and negative emotions is not a very good one as Paul Ekman sustains and I agree with him)and how they react to stimulation. On the other hand, Shyness, as defined in the article has more to do with negative emotions, thus is a facet of Neuroticism. High Neuroticism scorers usually score high on Shyness, but high Introversion scorers do not score high on Shyness necessarily. So, it's very good that this article tackles the disticntion between Shyness and Introversion as the two are separate traits. Also, Happiness is more related to Neuroticism and Agreeability than to Extraversion/Introversion.
"unique variants"
Let me guess: the quotations from Schmidt are things he said (vs. wrote in an email), right?
Here's how I know: Schmidt did not say, ""When we look at the interaction between shyness and introversion and treat those as two unrelated dimensions, it's as though each independent measure is adding unique variants to behavior." He said "When we look at the interaction between shyness and introversion and treat those as two unrelated dimensions, it's as though each independent measure is adding unique VARIANCE to behavior."
This is a pretty grave error, and if it indeed an error the author of this piece made, it illustrates that she knows nothing about statistics. I'm kind of hoping the error is in fact because of some unfortunate autocorrect or an incompetent editor. Please tell me I'm right.
Get a life
Wow you have nothing to comment on this well written article except pointing out a pointless mistake about a statistical error. By the way the author never claimed she is stats pro. Please don't waste your time on this article and Dont waste other people's time as they might read your comment assuming that it will be insightful as others were.
Shy versus Introvert - Not really up for debate
I was surprised to read this thread under psychology. Shyness is by definition an anxiety in regards to interpersonal or social situations. Introversion has nothing to do with fear or discomfort. Introversion and extroversion centre upon the situations where an individul draws their strength and energy.
I am an introvert by nature. I am energized and restored by quiet solitude. I am in no way, shape or form shy. I enjoy social situations and even public speaking, but I find such interactions require energy and prolonged engagements leave me drained. Extroverts thrive in social situations and literally come alive in groups. And in contrast, they may do fine on their own but lengthy solitude drains them.
Only sloppy use of terms would equate shyness with introversion. Indeed, many shy people long to be freed from anxiety so they might enjoy more social connections. They are drained by solitude but fear the interpersonal.
That's my quick two bits!
Cheers!
Hello?!
Will someone please notify Merriam-Webster that the word introvert does not mean shy, then? I don't think they got the memo. They should probably be good at definitions, considering that they have been around since 1828 and all, but someone please go ahead and do that.
An Argument of Semantics
2introvert
noun in·tro·vert
Simple Definition of introvert
: a shy person : a quiet person who does not find it easy to talk to other people
Source: Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary
Being shy and being
Being shy and being introverted are two totally different things and I am glad this article talks about it that way. I do not find myself to be introverted, but I do sometimes have shyness when I am put in certain situations or if I am around certain people. Distinguishing the differences between the two traits are very important to me. This article is definitely very informative and interesting as well.
Why is introversion considered negative to begin with? I
"Why is introversion considered negative to begin with?"
Ok ... well why is 80/60 eyesight 'bad' and not just different?
Answer? ... because it reduces your options.
I see introversion vs. shyness like this...
• Introversion is an ABSENCE OF DESIRE to socialize. Introversion is grounded in managing (external) stimulation.
• Shyness is a DESIRE TO BE ABSENT from socializing. Shyness is grounded in (internal) fears.
Socializing
I have always got shyness and introversion mixed up with one another. After reading this article I feel like I am both. I feel very shy around others and I'm sure that it is able to be picked up on. I do like to be around others though but only if I want to be around them during that time. I love having my own personal space and I feel like being around people for too long is draining. (True sign of being an introvert)
I often differ to two by
I often differ to two by saying that a shy person WANTS to be around people but somehow too shy to do so. Whereas someone who is a introvert rather not be around anyone, does not care to socialize.
