Introverts - Different, not worse

Often when I'm tutoring the personality course students seem to misinterpret Introversion as some kind of undesirable, disease-like state. This Ted talk seems to suggest that this is a misunderstanding that extends beyond the classroom.

One key misunderstanding about introversion is that it is the same as being shy. In fact many people believe that introversion is essentially being painfully shy, this is incorrect. In its simplest way introversion reflects a preference for quiet activities rather than noisy activities. This includes smaller social situations rather than rowdy parties. If introversion were shyness introverts would not simply express a preference for quiet small gathering with friends over large parties. Instead they would seek to avoid any social contact at all. Finally it should be noted that introversion and extroversion exist on a spectrum. It is not a binary state of being, everyone is a little bit of both.

There are arguments that introversion (or extroversion) is biologically based and this is reflected in the way that the preference for quiet activities emerges. Introverts require less stimulation to reach the same level of internal neural excitement as extroverts. In fact if they are given the same level of stimulation that extroverts require they may become overloaded leading to an unpleasant experience. One popular example of this is the lemon drop test. In response to a drop of lemon being placed on their tongue introverts produce more saliva and introverts. A more practical difference is found with risk taking beavhiour. As increased risk equals increased stimulation introverts typically seek out options that are less risky than their extroverted counterparts.

With these things in mind we can now move from an understanding of introversion as shyness to an understanding of introversion as a different level of optimal stimulation. In this way it should become obvious that introverts should be able to thrive in areas where extroverts will find it difficult to do so as well as the other way around.

One key area where introverts tend to pull ahead is with creativity. Creativity requires an incubation period. Such incubation is often induced through isolation. People more comfortable with isolation are more likely to get to this point.

In the video above Susan Cain argues that the modern emphasis on Extroversion is the result of cultural accumulation. The focus on the doer rather than the thinker, the salesman rather than the inventor, who you know not what you know, the extrovert rather than the introvert. She argues that this is potentially dangerous primarily because there is no correlation between the person with the loudest voice and the person with the best idea. To put it another way the introvert and the extrovert are equally likely to be the person the group should listen to but society teaches us to listen to the one who is likely to spread their words or volunteer their voice. Society volunteers the extrovert leaving 30-50% of people's ideas in the dark.

Susan's calls to action:
- Stop the madness of enforced and constant group work
It's also important to work on your own
- Go to the wilderness
Isolate yourself for a while to help ideas form
- Examine your 'suitcase' and ask why it's there
Share and engage with these things, make sure that the whole population is heard not just the loudest 50-70%