Why are Some People Extroverts and Others Introverts? (2023)

FAQs

Why are Some People Extroverts and Others Introverts? ›

The degree to which you are introverted or extroverted is influenced by genetics. Out of all the personality traits that have been studied, introversion/extroversion is one of the most strongly hereditary ones. Nonetheless, a lot of environmental factors—like how you're raised—influence it too.

Part of this difference is genetic, resulting from the way our genes shape and develop our brains. Other results confirm that dopamine function is key to this – so, for example, genes that control dopamine function predict personality differences in how much people enjoy the unfamiliar and actively seek out novelty.

Causes of Introversion

Researchers have found that introverts have a higher blood flow to their frontal lobe than extroverts do. This part of the brain helps you remember things, solve problems, and plan ahead. Introvert brains also react differently to dopamine than extrovert brains do.

The term extroversion describes an aspect of a personality that is often characterized by expressive and outgoing patterns of behavior. People who are extroverts tend to be very talkative, sociable, active, and warm. Jung defined an extrovert as someone who feels energized by the external world and social interactions.

Someone who finds social time invigorating is more likely to seek it out. As a result, extroverts often have wider social circles. As well as this, extroverts are also deemed more popular, because they hold traits that are socially rewarding.

Contrary to popular belief, Extraverts aren't always good at socializing. Shy Extraverts are people who thrive off of social experiences but who don't necessarily have the skills they need to socialize effectively. Some shy Extraverts may find social situations awkward and try to avoid talking to new people.

These people (a.k.a., the vast majority of us) are called ambiverts, who have both introverted and extroverted tendencies. The direction ambiverts lean toward varies greatly, depending on the situation.

Introverts tend to experience more anticipatory anxiety and anxiety disorders than extroverts. Anxiety typically means your stress response is constantly activated, even if there's no clear cause for it.

They are self-reliant.

Introverts are self-sufficient, and it's why they're so quiet. A quiet person's personality is inward, which means they naturally search themselves for comfort. Since they keep a small circle, they develop the habit of self-reliance by finding ways to cater to their needs.

The brains of introverts look and react differently than the brains of extroverts. The key differences: The prefrontal cortex. Introverts have a thicker prefrontal cortex than extroverts, which means they have more tissue in the area of the brain associated with deep thought and decision-making.

Are introverts born or made? ›

Introversion isn't totally genetic. It gets influenced by your environment at a young age, and our genes allow a certain amount of flexibility in response. This happens through “set points,” which are the upper and lower limits of how much extroversion your brain can handle.

People who are extroverts tend to feel excited about spending time with other people. They have a lot of social confidence and tend to have high self-esteem in general. Other people often describe them as sociable, friendly, and talkative.

Not all introverts are the same.

Whenever we think of introverts, we usually think of someone with a shy nature, who is not quite chatty or talkative. Yet, some introverts seem to be pretty talkative. Still, this kind of introvert needs personal time to recharge their batteries.

Angry Introverts are in a sensitive state, and they can easily become overstimulated by too much social contact. Interestingly, Introverts won't usually respond to their anger by leaving altogether.

Introverts tend to be more prone to overthinking than extroverts, but it's possible for anyone to fall into this trap. Being an introvert means you have a tendency towards self-reflection that can take its toll if you're not careful.

Introverts rely on alone time to recharge their social batteries, self-reflect, and process the experiences they have with others. Without proper amounts of alone time, introverts can begin to experience irritability, fatigue, poor sleep, and trouble concentrating.

Dr. Bushman says shy extroverts instead enjoy people watching and are totally cool with silence. They don't feel the need to be constantly talking to fill up space which allows other people to take up the conversation. Luckily for them, this actually makes them more likable because it means they're great listeners.

Extroverts often thrive on social interactions and may feel that they are not fulfilling their social obligations when they are alone. They may also feel that they are missing out on social opportunities, which can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.

By society's standards, gregarious outgoing individuals who are the life of the party seem to have it all together. However, in reality these individuals can also suffer from low self-esteem, which results in self-destructive behavior that is concealed by their vivaciousness.

Omnivert Meaning

Omniverts are people who experience extremes in introversion and extraversion. Unlike ambiverts, omniverts have trouble balancing outgoingness and shyness. As a result, they can seem like they have a dual personality depending on the situation they're in.

Are extroverts happier than introverts? ›

Current tests consistently rate extroverts higher on the happiness scale than introverts. However, many of these tests measure degree of happiness using activities like socializing and interacting with the outside world, both of which extroverts need to thrive!

According to estimates, extroverts outnumber introverts by about three to one.1 Introverts often find that other people try to change them or even suggest that there is something wrong with them. While introverts make up a smaller portion of the population, there is no right or wrong personality type.

One of the biggest fears of an introvert is being caught off guard and being asked to say or do something that they aren't prepared for. Having people stare at you whilst you are framing your sentences and preparing yourself to speak can often feel intimidating and uncomfortable.

Unlike shy people, Introverts are not necessarily bound by fear. If Introverts choose not to speak, it's because they prefer not to rather than because they are afraid. The other side of that coin is that there is nothing basic to their makeup that stops Introverts from talking as much as they like.

Introverts Don't Have Low Self Esteem

Another common misconception about introverts is that they are quiet and reserved because they have low self-esteem or lack self-confidence.

They speak less and listen more, which gets people interested in them. What makes introverts attractive is their ability to observe beyond the words people speak. They pay close attention to details and are extremely prudent. Introverts are also genuinely concerned about others, which shows their empathic natures.

Their silence allows them to take more time to process what's happening and take in more information. This is why, when faced with a problem, they will often take time to think things through– enough time that they can come up with a strategy.

Their objectivity and the ability to be less likely to be affected by certain emotional cues make an introvert to appear intimidating to other people and make them likely to be manipulated or swayed.

In fact, more than 75 percent of people with an IQ above 160 are introverted.

However, our research at Bandelli & Associates has found that introverts often possess greater levels of Relational Intelligence than extroverts do. Relationally intelligent introverts are often highly self-aware, observant, and are excellent listeners.

What types are dominant in introverted thinking? ›

In regard to introverted thinking, the dominant functions are ISTP's and INTP's. The commonality is that they are each able to explain processes and locate the “why.” Each personality type has its own dominant and sometimes auxiliary functions.

Independence. Unique and fiercely independent, introverts are more inclined to let their own inner resources guide them than follow the crowd. We do our best work — and are our happiest — when we have the freedom to explore ideas, spend time alone, and be self-directed and independent.

Introverts are generally more attuned to expressing love in nonverbal ways and don't tolerate sentimentality. They also need more time to express their affection, so patience is very important at the beginning of the relationship.

Yes, emotional trauma can cause a person to become a lot more introverted. Along with something as small as a loud noise more traumatic events can clearly change the way that someone acts.

Extroverts thrive in dynamic, social situations and enjoy being the center of attention. They feed off the energy of others and are usually good at engaging in conversation and working in teams. Extroverts thrive in dynamic, social situations and … are usually good at engaging in conversation and working in teams.

On average, introverts and extroverts are the same in terms of intelligence. But statistics show that around 70% of gifted people are introverts. People are considered "gifted" when they exhibit above-average intelligence or a superior talent for something, such as music, art or math.

Please enter a work email. Public emails are not accepted. A recent study from the University of Missouri found, perhaps unsurprisingly, that extroverts and people who exhibit proactive behavior are more likely to find career success.

Rain creates white noise that often attracts introverts, because of the opportunities it brings to seek solitude. Its calming effect also helps introverts derive pleasure from it as they can turn inwards and escape within themselves for the time being.

Introverts are good at understanding their emotions and regulating their behavior. They're also particularly skilled at reading other people, an emotional intelligence skill that serves them well in relationships.

Introverts prefer quiet, minimally stimulating environments, while extroverts need higher levels of stimulation to feel their best. Stimulation comes in all forms – social stimulation, but also lights, noise, and so on.

What not to do to introverts? ›

An introvert hangover includes social fatigue, mental and physical exhaustion, and burnout felt by introverts after they have spent too much time socializing with others. This feeling occurs because introverts are drained by interactions with others and need time alone to recharge.

Just as they enjoy the quiet time to get themselves, they're most likely an introvert to a certain extent. Being an introvert is often considered weak. They aren't quite as good as the extroverts, who just seem to breeze through life. But that's not true, there is nothing wrong with being an introvert.

Introverts are sometimes looked down upon for being shy and timid, however, one should not be ashamed of being an introvert. In fact, being comfortable with self and enjoying being alone can be looked at as a strength.

“Being an introvert is actually a strength because they do take that time to process and filter their responses,” says Owens. “And they tend to be better active listeners and strategic thinkers.”

Mental health issues are more common among introverts because it is hard to find completely isolated environments, according to Dr. Rice. Introverts often feel things deeply, and without proper settings for self-care, this can lead to mental health issues.

One of the main reasons that introverts have a hard time making friends is that they are often seen as shy. People may not approach them because they seem uninterested or aloof. Introverts themselves may feel uncomfortable approaching a random stranger. They may feel awkward or out of place in large groups.

Introvert burnout, in this context, is a state of all-consuming exhaustion in most that can arises from experiencing social situations without enough time alone to recharge and recuperate.

Introverts love alone time and need it to recharge. If an introvert is not looking for a relationship and prefers to be single, it's important for others to respect that.

Omnivert Meaning

Omniverts are people who experience extremes in introversion and extraversion. Unlike ambiverts, omniverts have trouble balancing outgoingness and shyness. As a result, they can seem like they have a dual personality depending on the situation they're in.

Are introverts born or created? ›

Introversion isn't totally genetic. It gets influenced by your environment at a young age, and our genes allow a certain amount of flexibility in response. This happens through “set points,” which are the upper and lower limits of how much extroversion your brain can handle.

An ambivert is someone who exhibits qualities of both introversion and extroversion, and can flip into either depending on their mood, context, and goals. Ambiverts have also been called: Outgoing introverts: An introvert who can be outgoing in certain situations, around certain people, or when they absolutely need to.

Yes, it's true, many types of emotional trauma can cause a person to become more introverted. Even something as small as loud noise can change the way that someone acts. Roland Bal says, the culture and the society you grow up in, and the character of your parents and siblings, certainly play a role.

Dr Deepali Batra, psychologist at PALS (Psychological Academic Learning Services for Children and Adults), says “In bipolar disorder, the socio-occupational activities of a person are affected whereas ambiverts are just normal people who experience mood swings and are still functional.” Ambiverts are balanced and ...

Grant estimates that between 50% and 66% of the population are ambiverts, why not give this short quiz a try and discover where you lie on the introvert-extrovert spectrum.

In 2011, research by psychologists Jennifer Grimes, Jonathan Cheek, and Julie Norem broke introversion into four main types: social introvert, thinking introvert, anxious introvert, and restrained introvert.

Yes, emotional trauma can cause a person to become a lot more introverted. Along with something as small as a loud noise more traumatic events can clearly change the way that someone acts.

There is no single way to define an ambivert — but perhaps the best way to think about this personality is as a blend of introverted and extroverted characteristics. For example, an ambivert might be somewhat talkative, relatively assertive, and not exceptionally sociable or excitable.

An ambivert is someone who exhibits qualities of both introvert and extrovert. They cannot be labeled as pure introverts (shy) or extroverts (outgoing).

Do extroverts get jealous of introverts? ›

Extraverts may also envy introverts' capacity for self-sufficiency and self-rootedness. The capacity to be alone with one's own thoughts and even more—to enjoy doing so—is less natural in extraverts (especially extraverted sensors).

Not only is Einstein one of the most famous scientists in history, but he was also a known introvert. Leaning into his introverted nature, Einstein believed that his creativity and success came from keeping to himself. He said, “The monotony and solitude of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind.”

As we age, it is common for individuals to become more introverted. The shift towards introversion can be due to a variety of factors, such as increased wisdom and self-awareness, decreased energy for social interactions, and a greater appreciation for solitude and time alone.