Scientific facts about introverts
10 Interesting Facts About Introverts
By: Catherine Huang
Roughly one third to half of the world’s population is made up of introverts. Introversion is commonly misunderstood today with many stereotypes and myths surrounding it. Luckily, however, with the help of the ever-evolving fields of science and technology, there has been a lot of research done that justifies introverts’ tendencies, habits, and needs. Psych3Go shares with you 10 interesting facts about introversion:
1. There are 4 types of introverts.
Researcher Jonathan Cheek states that it’s impossible for there to only be one type of introvert out there. He surveyed roughly 500 participants, ranging from the ages of 18-70 and asked them questions pertaining to how much solitude they need and how often they daydream.
From the answers he gathered, Cheek created a model that spells the acronym STAR that explains the four different types of introverts that exist:
Social: Social introversion is what is commonly accepted and understood as being the archetypal definition of introversion. People who identify as social introverts prefer small groups over large ones, or may prefer solitude altogether. According to Cheek, they like to stay at home with a book or computer, or hang out with close friends instead of going to parties with many unfamiliar faces. It’s different, however, from shyness, because there’s no anxiety attached to their driven needs of solitude.
Thinking: Thinking introversion is one of the newer concepts of introversion today. People who identify as thinking introverts are introspective, thoughtful, and self-reflective. Unlike social introverts, they don’t have a strong need to stray from large social scenes. They’re often avid daydreamers with rich imaginations and a high capacity for creativity.
Anxious: Anxious introverts seek time to be alone, because they often feel awkward and self-conscious. Unlike social introverts, anxious introverts experience painful shyness when they’re around new people. The anxiety doesn’t necessarily go away either when they’re alone because they let things play over and over again in their heads over what could’ve gone or went wrong.
Restrained: People who identify as restrained introverts function on a slower pace and prefer to think before they speak and act. They are also known for being reserved. Restrained introverts take time to get things going, because they don’t let impulse affect their decision-making.
2. Introverts react quickly to new information, but are slower to monitor change.
According to Australian psychologist John Brebner, the brains of introverts create more excitation in the phase of stimulus analysis when situations call for them to analyze what is required of them to do next.
For instance, when a phone rings, introverts generate more excitation in their brains; whereas, extroverts need to inhibit everything else going on in their heads in order to make a decision. When an introvert needs to prepare for action, however, they may hesitate longer to pick up the phone. An extrovert, on the other hand, answers the phone right away. While introverts are quick to reacting strongly to new situations, extroverts, in contrast, are quicker to register changes.
3. Introverts dread small talk.
Psychologist Laurie Helgoe, author of Introvert Power: Why Your Inner Life Is Your Hidden Strength, states that small talk blocks honest interaction. Introverts might come off as being disinterested in others, because they don’t like taking part in small talk. But, they only dread it because of the barriers it creates between them and others. Introverts want to feel connected; however, they prefer to make connections through authenticity. Deep and meaningful conversations are what they often crave for that help lower the walls.
4. Introverts need alone time.
This goes back to fact #1 for individuals who strongly identify as social introverts. According to research, the reason introverts need alone time is because they respond differently than extroverts do to rewards. Rewards include food, money, sex, and social status. Although introverts do care about eating, the income that they earn, and cultivating relationships with others, they are less driven and experience less enthusiasm for the possibilities of them. Extroverts, in contrast, are more energized by working for those rewards, which is why they are also prone to instant gratification more often than introverts.
5. Introverts aren’t risk-averse, but they are more careful and calculated about what risks they choose to take.
This is due to the biological makeup of the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with sensation-seeking, risks, and new adventures. According to research, there is a difference of dopamine activity in the brains of introverts compared to those of extroverts.
This isn’t because introverts have less dopamine in their brains than extroverts. Both have the same amount. However, introverts use less activity from the region of their brain that generates dopamine.
6. Introverts are deep thinkers.
This goes back to fact #1 for individuals who strongly identify as thinking introverts. Since introverts use less activity from dopamine, they rely more often on a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine, just like dopamine, is linked to pleasure. The difference, however, lies in pleasure that is produced from turning inwards. This allows the individual to ponder and reflect deeply, and focus on one task with great attention for an extended period of time. Acetylcholine also influences one to prefer calm, quiet settings over loud, crowded places.
7. Introverts are more creative.
Introverts need solitude to recharge, but it is also within solitude that they find creativity. Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi discovered that teenagers who have a hard time being alone were less likely to develop their creative skills.
Most artists and writers who identify as introverts do their best work when they’re by themselves as opposed to working in group settings. Researcher Reed Larson also found that adolescents feel less self-conscious when they’re alone; therefore, it helps individuals feel safe taking more risks that allows their creative juices to flow.
8. Introverts like the rain.
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. Rain helps lower expectations for the day and isn’t as overstimulating as other weather days with the overbearing sun.
9. Pretending to be extroverted for introverts can affect their performance negatively.
Researchers discovered that introverted participants who act extroverted have showed slower reaction times on cognitive tests than introverts who were allowed to be themselves.
This is because the time introverts spend on pretending to be the people they aren’t naturally wired to be causes depletion that distracts and disrupts their usual ways of performance. It’s important to realize and acknowledge this, since the world is so used to trying to mold introverts into becoming extroverts.
10. Happiness might not be a top priority for introverts, and it’s actually okay.
Sounds strange, right? Especially when we live in a culture that emphasizes happiness so much. But, according to psychologist Maya Tamir of Boston College, introverts prefer to maintain a neutral emotional state when presented with tasks, such as taking a test, giving a speech, or thinking rationally. This is because happiness, an arousing emotion, may cause introverts to feel distracted that get in their way of performing those tasks efficiently. Extroverts, however, prefer happiness when completing such tasks because it acts as a motivator.
References:
Cooper, B.
(2016, March 30). What Creative People Understand About the Importance of Being Alone. Quartz. Retrieved September 14, 2017.
Dahl, M. (2015, June 25). So Apparently There Are 4 Kinds of Introversion. NY Mag. Retrieved September 14, 2017.
Granneman, J. (2016, January 13). The Real Reason Introverts Dread Small Talk. Huffington Post. Retrieved September 14, 2017.
Granneman, J. (2016, August 13). This Is the Scientific Explanation for Why Introverts Like Being Alone. Retrieved September 14, 2017.
Granneman, J. (2017). Why Introverts and Extroverts Are Different: The Science. Retrieved September 14, 2017.
Helgoe, L. (2010, September 1). Revenge of the Introvert. Psychology Today. Retrieved September 14, 2017.
P&Q. (2017, January 6). Why Introverts Like the Rain. Retrieved September 14, 2017.
Whitbourne, S. (2013, July 9). An In-Depth Look at How Introverts Think. Psychology Today. Retrieved September 14, 2017.
8 Facts About Introverts & They Are Based on Science & Studies
A lot of people chock all the stuff about extroversion and introversion up to a bunch of pseudo-science.
I think that’s not very fair because extroversion and introversion are real. It’s part of everyone.
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It affects the way we are able to connect with people – romantically or otherwise. The way we behave, the way we conduct ourselves. Or our inclinations towards certain careers or roles.
It determines how we are in relationships, the type of people we are likely to have successful relationships with and so on.
So here are 8 facts about Introverts that will hopefully shed some light on this personality type.
1. Exhaustion after social interactions does not make you an Introvert.There is a common misconception that you probably have.
If you are exhausted and need time to recharge after a social interaction even if you enjoyed yourself, it must mean you are an introvert.
This isn’t true though.
According to a new study, it is normal for everyone to need time to recharge after a social interaction. By putting yourself in a social situation, you are consciously engaging all parts of yourself.
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It’s like exercising. After engaging your muscles in a workout, you feel tired/sore and need to rest and recover.
Same thing applies to a social situation.
You are engaging your mental, emotional and even physical muscles (oh, those smiles!), so it is natural for everyone, regardless of whether an introvert or not, to feel tired and need some time to recharge.
2. Introverts have a tendency to be social.Introverts are not hermits. They don’t just like to stay at home and burrow away from people all the time.
This is another misconception about introverts. Introverts also like to socialise and be around their friends and family.
The difference, however, is that introverts are not really motivated to obtain the reward of social attention.
Wow Rachael, those are some big words you’re using there…
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Sorry, sorry.
Let me break it down for you! According to some studies, introverts don’t really thrive when they are in the centre of attention in a social situation.
Because they don’t need that validation. They don’t even really enjoy being the centre of attention that much.
Extroverts, on the other hand, thrive on obtaining social attention. It is enjoyable to them, and if they don’t get it, they may even consider it a failed attempt at socialising.
They actually enjoy being the life of the party and feel very good when they obtain that attention. They thrive and get their energy from it.
3. There are 4 types of Introverts.Yep, there is no longer just a ‘you either are an introvert or you’re not‘. Think of extraversion and introversion as a spectrum.
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In certain situations we can lean towards the more extroverted part of the spectrum.
In other situations we can lean towards the more introverted part.
So what are the four types of introverts?
Social Introverts
These are people that rather not put themselves in social situations unnecessarily, or those that prefer socialising in small groups. But this preference for solitude or socialising in small groups isn’t driven by anxiety or shyness. It’s just a preference. Like how some people prefer apples to oranges. Ya feel?
Thinking Introverts
This is a relatively new concept. Thinking introverts are just people who are very introspective, thoughtful and self-reflective (not in a narcissistic way). They love getting lost in their own internal fantasy world which is fuelled by creativity and imagination.
Anxious Introverts
Anxious introverts are people who feel too awkward or self-conscious to be in social situations. They lack confidence. This is not an anxiety that fades when they are alone, though.
They think about things that could potentially go wrong or that may have gone wrong over and over when they are alone.
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Restrained Introverts
This is basically people who prefer to think things over before they do something or say something. They also move at a much slower pace and can’t just simply wake up from bed and get going. They need time to properly wake up and warm up before they can ‘get going’.
Introverts use the parasympathetic side of their nervous system. Extroverts use the sympathetic side.
Know how we talked about the 4 different types of introversion? Well, this means that in the areas you are more introverted in, you will be using the parasympathetic side of your nervous system.
This is the side of the nervous system that prefers rest, relaxation and/or contemplation.
The sympathetic side is basically just a full throttle, ‘go, go, go‘ kind of area.
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One side is not better than the other, btw. It’s just how we experience the world. In certain parts of our life we experience life full throttle. In other parts, we are more subdued.
It differs person to person and shapes our individuality, which is why everyone you come across is just uniquely and amazingly them.
5. Introverts and romantic relationships.Please don’t listen when people say introverts attract extroverts or introverts can only be with other introverts and so on.
All that is kinda false.
People spend so long wondering if they are an introvert or an extrovert and then spend even more time wondering who they should be with.
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Truthfully? You should be with whoever it is you choose to be with. It’s that simple.
If you are an introvert in a relationship with an extrovert, just know that this person will push you outside your comfort zone to socialise more.
You’ll find yourself doing more things and even experiencing more conflict, as extroverts don’t tend to shy away from conflict.
You will also find yourself having to speak up to get your alone time and space in whatever area of your life you require it.
But it will be a very complementary relationship. Yin and Yang, you know?
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If you are an introvert in a relationship with another introvert, you’ll likely have a person who gets how you are without having to be told.
But it is also likely that you wouldn’t do much and you wouldn’t explore many things outside your comfort zones.
It can also be likely that too much of personal independence and space could cause some trouble in maintaining the romantic connection.
So again, it is not that one combination is better than the other. It’s just what you want and what you prefer. Apples and oranges again.
6. Introverts need more alone time.Yes, this one is actually true and it is linked to how introverts use the parasympathetic side of their nervous system.
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Introverts really do need more alone time.
You know how everyone has those pleasure centres in their brains?
It’s like how typically when you eat chocolate or whatever food it is that you love, and suddenly there is a rush of dopamine to your brain and you feel so happy.
Extroverts thrive on that dopamine rush. That chemical is what makes them feel good. It is what gives them pleasure. Dopamine stimulates the feeling of pleasure in an extrovert.
Introverts also do feel excitement from the release of dopamine, but it is accompanied by feelings of being completely overwhelmed, which takes away from the pleasurable aspect of that chemical extroverts tend to thrive on.
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Essentially, for introverts it is a bit different. They thrive on the pleasure from a different chemical known as acetylcholine.
This is a chemical that is released when we look and turn inward.
It powers our abilities to think deeply, reflect, and focus intensely. When an introvert does this and the chemical is released in the body, they get pleasure from it.
It makes them feel really good. As good as how the release of dopamine feels to an extrovert.
Basically, acetylcholine stimulates the feeling of pleasure in introverts!
7. Introverts cannot become extroverts.If your child exhibits signs of introversion and you think you can do this or that to change their behaviour so that they will become extroverts, you can’t.
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Same thing if you are an introverted adult and you want to become an extrovert for whatever reason. You really can’t.
This is because being an introvert or an extrovert is based on your DNA and you can’t change your DNA (yet).
This is linked again to the point above. It is in your DNA to receive pleasure from the chemical dopamine, or the chemical acetylcholine.
You can’t choose this, just like you can’t choose the colour of your skin.
It’s something you are born with. Introverts can always learn to have better social skills, of course, and to manage things like social anxiety, or make the effort to not be a hermit.
But they will always be introverts because their pleasure will largely be stimulated by acetylcholine.
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Parents can encourage their children to just be who they are instead, and teach them good social skills. But please don’t force your child to be something they are genetically incapable of being!
Also, there is absolutely nothing wrong with being an introvert. They’re awesome!
8. Introverts are more cautious. They take more calculated risks.If you are in a relationship with an introvert and find yourself taking a longer time to hit relationship milestones, don’t worry. It’s not that don’t love or care about you.
According to research done by An Katrien Sodermans, it’s likely so because introverts have a tendency to really look before they leap.
They don’t make decisions lightly, especially life-changing ones. They don’t make hasty or rushed decisions, meaning that they tend to make better decisions.
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They turn things over within themselves a million times before moving forward, to ensure that they are minimising risk and maximising reward.
You should maybe even be ten times happier when an introvert chooses to move forward with you – they are saying hey, I’ve thought about this like…a bazillion times and you are worth all the risk!
How romantic, eh?
This trait also makes them really valuable in the workplace, as they are able to give quite thorough risk-assessments, and inform on what risks are worth taking and what really aren’t.
And that’s a big asset in this day and age if you’re asking me.
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So now that you have some insight on what it means to be an introvert, hopefully it removes any kind of negative stigma and stereotype you may have about the personality type.
And remember, as cheesy as it sounds, whether you are an extrovert or an introvert, you are awesome just as you are and there is no need at all for you to change (not that it’s even possible to change that, according to science).
If you’re an introvert, then why not consider spending some time binge-watching our YouTube videos? Check it out here:
Featured Image: Twinsterphoto / Shutterstock.com
9 facts about introverts - CityDog.io
If a person admits to you that he is an introvert, do not rush to disbelieve and exclaim: “Come on!” Perhaps you can’t even imagine how much internal strength it took him to perform with an incendiary stand-up.
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There are no absolute introverts and extroverts
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There are ambiverts , they are in the middle - this story goes back to Gustav Jung, who came up with this typology, and modern scientists (if you want more - google Jonathan Cheek) added more four types (but, as with any typology, keep in mind that there are practically no absolute manifestations of one type, and each person is another vinaigrette).
Social introverts can be chatty, laugh out loud at parties, but they still don't really like the crowd, and they are really ready to open up only to the closest people. If you can stay at home for a long time, try to work alone and go on vacation to some place that is not too crowded - you are a social introvert!
Thinking introverts can remain immersed in themselves for a long time and analyze their own emotions.
They have developed intuition and empathy. Sometimes you get too carried away inventing situations inside your head and imagine how you are chatting with Johnny Depp? That way!
Anxious introverts are really afraid of other people and feel uncomfortable in society, because they are not confident in themselves, they get very upset from any failure, and even in a circle of friends they can feel out of place.
Reserved introverts can't act until they think things through - they don't like to take risks. These people do not get up immediately in the morning with an alarm clock, but lie in bed for some time and come to their senses.
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Introverted leaders are more successful because they allow subordinates to implement ideas
Most introverts try to break themselves because society requires you to be outgoing.
Susan Cain did the same for most of her life, until she realized that this was not only her personal loss, but also a loss for the whole world.
We need introverts when it comes to creativity and leadership. Extroverts perform better with more stimuli, while introverts do the opposite. But just as the larks agreed and pushed the owls aside, it happened with a couple of extroverts - introverts: many schools (but not in the Soviet system) and workplaces are built in such a way as not to be convenient for introverts. However, most teachers describe the ideal student as an extrovert - despite the fact that introverts learn better.
What if you're not a night owl or a lark? Read about the new chronotype system!
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Loneliness is the main component of creativity
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This idea was proclaimed by the same Susan Cain: it is impossible to be in society and not mirror the opinions of the people with whom you communicate.
And the group almost always follows the opinion of the most dominant character in the room, regardless of the value of his ideas.
Western society now prefers a person who acts to a person who contemplates and sets an example of successful traders for everyone, but is it necessary to be like that? If you want a burst of creativity, go to the woods and spend time alone with nature - works not only for introverts.
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Happiness is not a priority for introverts
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They prefer a neutral emotional state. Happiness can spur extroverts into action, but for introverts it can be distracting and prevent them from completing important tasks.
There seems to be an explanation for this from the point of view of body chemistry: introverts are much less subject to dopamine races, that is, they are less amenable to the tricks of marketers.
Food, money, sex, and social status are not as important to introverts as they are to extroverts. They don't work for a reward.
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All the times when introverts fail to finish the job are due to the fact that they are trying to be extroverts, for example, they go to work in sales. If you are an introvert, do not try to break your nature, this will not help you become more successful.
Introverts are more creative and diligent, they have a very rich imagination. Most of them are distinguished by order in the house and the cleanest nails.
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Introverts love lists
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They are not snobs and not closed
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And not shy. Yes, introverts don't like small talk - not because they hate people, but because they don't want to waste energy exchanging a set of conventions that only alienates us from each other.
Introverts prefer to get closer during a conversation rather than vice versa. They don't like to pretend, so if you get close enough to an introvert and get his love, be sure that he doesn't fake his location.
If you play up and lie to an introvert, you will quickly lose credibility.
Introverts are ready to do anything for the "right" people in their lives - those with whom they feel comfortable. In the right company, they bloom and glow.
By the way, if it is necessary at a party or presentation, they can inspire with speeches, flex and laugh fervently, without saying a word that the crowd is a burden to them. Many introverts are very empathic, that is, they "collect" the emotions of those around them.
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Please don't distract the introvert. And don't make me angry
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into the flow, but if you distract them, they will spend a lot of energy getting back into the workflow, and less energy will go to the project itself.
Open space is not recommended.
In situations of conflict, they will try to hide their anger, so it is very difficult to understand that an introvert is angry with you. If you are not careful, then you can invite a real storm - if you bring this person to the point, he will give you a thorough thrashing.
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25 things that only introverts will understand
March 25, 2021Life
To determine your temperament, it is not necessary to pass psychological tests. You are prone to introversion if you notice these oddities in yourself.
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01. You do not leave the apartment until the neighbor leaves
Situation: You hear the neighbor's door open in the hallway or on the landing. In order not to once again intersect with a person, you calm down and wait until he leaves.
Yes, it's strange, but sometimes introverts hide from even the nicest people, just to avoid having to exchange a few words with them.
2. You are secretly glad that your friends canceled the meeting
In order not to be considered a hermit, sometimes you have to go out to meet friends. But when the general plans are canceled, in your soul you rejoice: you can stay at home and not pretend to be a sociable type.
3. You feel uncomfortable at a party
Despite the dislike of noisy companies, there are events that cannot be avoided: a corporate party, a friend's wedding or a New Year's feast with relatives. The first thought that visits you at any meeting is: “What am I doing here ?!”
4. The Internet is not just a hobby for you, but a way of life
It is much easier for introverts to formulate thoughts on paper than to talk. It is difficult for you to communicate live, but in social networks you feel like a fish in water. In online correspondence, you can joke, and show off your mind, and leave a well-aimed comment.
5. You shy away from sales assistants while shopping
It's understandable: it's easier to find the right model and size yourself than to keep up a conversation with a stranger.
6. You try to be inconspicuous
You are not against communication, you are just not always ready for a conversation: it requires attitude and energy. In order to be less tired, introverts unconsciously limit themselves in communications, and in order to replenish their strength, they spend time alone.
In life, it manifests itself like this: you need to get something out of the refrigerator, and at this time your neighbor with a friend or parents with guests are sitting in the kitchen. The way out is to act like this guy from the gif:
7. Instead of a noisy company, you choose solitude
You are invited to spend the weekend together, and you say that you are very busy. Everyone understands that this is not so: in fact, you will stay at home and enjoy being alone.
For introverts, this is the norm: they are not in a hurry to party and are able to enjoy the time spent alone with themselves.
8. You answer questions in monosyllables
What's new? and "How are you?" you try to answer as briefly as possible so that, God forbid, a conversation does not start. Small talk about anything is easy for extroverts, and introverts do not like this format of conversation.
9. You try to sneak out of the party
And try to do it as early as possible. You have an escape plan in reserve, for this you get to a meeting in your car. This is especially true for parties that you don’t want to go to in advance.
10. You rarely answer phone calls
By default, you do not answer calls from numbers you do not know, and prefer texting to a conversation with a friend or colleague.
11. You like to go to the cinema alone
You enjoy watching a movie alone or with a loved one. Afternoon sessions on weekdays, morning sessions on weekends - you try to choose a time when the hall is almost empty.
Together with you, there are 2-3 more people in the hall - the same introverts who avoid large crowds of people.
12. You pretend not to notice someone you know.
Situation: after work you went to the grocery store. Everything is going well until you notice a friend between the rows of buckwheat and pasta. Your standard reaction is to turn away and quickly leave before he sees you.
13. Never open the door if you are not expecting guests
Why? You never know: a too friendly neighbor came for salt and will complain about the management company for 15 minutes, or the manager of an Internet company obsessively asks you to connect their new tariff.
14. Are you afraid to be alone with strangers
Maintain a conversation with a person you see for the first time? Never! This is what you look like when your friends leave you for a few minutes alone with their acquaintances:
15. Never order over the phone when you can online
Why call when you can write?
16.
You don't know how to behave when people sing the song “Happy birthday to you!”
You feel awkward and uncomfortable around people. Birthday becomes a special torture: you are talked to more than usual and paid too much attention. I want to hide under the table or run away!
17. Try to solve work issues through correspondence
While colleagues annoy you with phone calls, you prefer to solve everything by correspondence. Working in open space becomes a real tragedy: the noise and people around paralyze your work. "Please, can we have a quiet place?" - you think in especially difficult days.
18. Don't like to keep up a conversation with a stranger
You wish you could be invisible when someone in a bar or on an airplane starts talking to you. “Don’t start a conversation with me just because we are sitting next to each other,” you mentally tell your interlocutor. It's not that introverts do not like people and live communication. They are simply not ready to carry on a conversation with a stranger: this causes terrible discomfort.
19. An ideal day on the beach for you is a day on a completely empty beach.
Any person has such thoughts from time to time, especially when the beach is crowded, and you can safely swim only 50 meters from the shore. But for introverts, such a desire appears much more often: an empty beach is more comfortable for them by default than a crowded one.
20. You like to train alone
You hate personal trainers, group classes and chatters during sports because training time is your personal time. No joint runs and jokes with a trainer in the gym - why, when you can be alone with your thoughts and listen to your favorite tracks?
21. You don't reply to messages right away
Before you write a reply, you need to think about the content of the letter. Sometimes you completely forget to answer, and then justify yourself, coming up with stupid excuses.
22. You are not happy to meet new people
Even the very thought that you will have to meet new people is terrifying.
