Introversion is Not a Disease
Imagine you are sitting in a typical high school classroom. Chattering away at the beginning of class and continuing into the hour, most students are ecstatic to participate in classroom discussions. The noise level increases dramatically as it is time for group work. Voices rising with enthusiasm, the students build excitement when groups develop. However, there are a few odd ones out. These silent types appear to be anti-social; no enthusiasm and few smiles radiate from their faces. The more boisterous types see a strangeness in these quiet classmates. These outgoing students are wondering, “What is wrong with them? Why aren’t they talking? Do they hate me? Are they not very bright?”
Chances are, they don’t hate you and they are not stupid. They are probably just introverts. Introverts are defined as people who have “a preference for solitude, reflection, and internal exploration of ideas vs. active engagement and pursuit of rewards in the external/social world” (Helgoe 3). They go through life being ignored because a lot of people do not like being around them since they are not as “fun” as their more outgoing opposites, the extroverts. Although they are not as appreciated as their extrovert counterparts, introverts are all around us making positive contributions to society.
Since the beginning of time, introverts have made huge impacts in the world. Everyone has heard of Albert Einstein and Charles Darwin. These are just two of the several introverts who have made a lasting impression. Even several modern authors like J.K. Rowling, author of the hugely popular Harry Potter books, are introverted (“The Good Side of Introverts 1). A lot of people probably notice how important introverts are, but why does society focus more on extroverts? The media focuses on extroverts because they think that the general public will think their lives are more interesting. Because of their tendency to make impulsive decisions, extroverts are more likely to make bad decisions. No one wants to watch a reality TV show about a group of introverts sitting around discussing their careers, art, politics, or anything else of a “boring” nature; we want to see people drinking alcohol and getting into fights.
Even though pop culture makes extraversion appear to be the norm, there are actually just about as many solitary individuals. In a survey of my Facebook friends here in St. Joseph, MI, 54.8% of people said they were introverts, making the other 45.2% extroverts. This almost fifty-fifty split between these two personality types is also shown by more extensive surveys such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (Helgoe 3). One would think the even split would make everyone comfortable with who they are, but several people, like 55.8% of my introverted Facebook friends, have become more extroverted in an effort to fit in and make more friends. In contrast, only 14.5% of surveyed introverts and extroverts feel that introversion is a negative quality. If not many people have a problem with introversion, why do so many of us change ourselves?
First of all, I have always been an introvert. My quiet personality, understated and possibly misunderstood, has always made me feel like a freak because I was much quieter than what seemed like everyone else in the world. However, I have never changed who I am. Sadly, I hardly ever come across anyone else who is as proud of their quiet tendencies. As Susan Cain states in her book, “We’re told that to be great is to be bold, to be happy is to be sociable” (3). These are the complete opposite of introvert characteristics. The fact that so many introverts disguise their natural characteristics because of shame has made other introverts feel “alienated not only from society but from themselves” (qtd. in Helgoe 3). Fortunately, much awareness has recently been brought to this epidemic by sources such as Psychology Today and Susan Cain’s book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking.
Without reading the previously mentioned materials, the average person thinks of introverts as the nerdy geniuses who were never popular in high school, but ended up being billionaire CEOs or founders of huge companies. However, genetically, introverts have “no special advantage in intelligence” (Helgoe 2). Technically, they are not born smarter than extroverts, but they “process more information than others in any given situation (2). Research has shown that whether introverts are “in a resting state or engaged in challenging cognitive tasks,” they all had “higher levels of electrical activity [in the brain]” (4). This shows that introverts do not need to “seek out external stimulation to get their brain juices flowing” (Helgoe 4) like extroverts do. Also, introverts do not spend a large amount of their time socializing, so generally, they spend more time studying and learning.
Another common misconception is that all introverts are shy. These two terms are used interchangeably, but they are two very different things. Shyness is “fear [of] negative judgement” while “introverts simple prefer quiet, minimally stimulating environments” (“Shyness: Evolutionary Tactic?” 1). Nearly eighty-one percent of extroverts who took my survey classified introverts as shy. In contrast, only 45.9% of introverts said that they were shy. Shy people are terrified to be around others. Introverts like being around other people occasionally, but they prefer to be alone (Helgoe 2). Introverts are obviously more likely to be shy than extroverts, but introversion does not equal shyness.
Much like how there are introverts and extroverts in the human race, “sitters,” similar to introverts, and “rovers,” similar to extroverts, are found in the animal kingdom (“Shyness: Evolutionary Tactic?” 2). In an experiment done by Professor David Sloan Wilson of Binghamton University, metal traps were dropped into a pond of fish. The “rover” fish swam to the traps right away and got captured, while the “sitter” fish were more cautious, saving them from entrapment. However, the “rover” fish had an advantage when another experiment was performed by moving these fish to a different environment. The “rover” fish adapted well, but the “sitters” didn’t adapt as well because they were scared of the new habitat. Professor Wilson concluded, “There is no single best . . . [animal] personality, but rather a diversity of personalities maintained by natural selection” (qtd “Shyness: Evolutionary Tactic?” 2). Therefore, just as “sitters” and “rovers” each have their own advantages and disadvantages, introverts are not better than extroverts or vice versa; each type of person is needed in order for the world to function. Introverts “tend to think things through and consider situations carefully” (Horowitz 1), which will probably keep them safe, while extroverts are more likely to make impulsive decisions that could get them into trouble. However, their tendency to take chances means that extroverts are more likely to reap higher rewards.
Consequently, this risk-taking nature is highly valued in American society. One might think that this “Extrovert Ideal” (Cain 4) is omnipresent around the world, but there are actually quite a few countries where there is more of an “Introvert Ideal.” In a study by Xinyin Chen and Kenneth Rubin of Ontario’s Waterloo University and Yuerong Son of Shanghai Teachers University in China, it was shown that in Canada, the “shy and sensitive children were the least desirable,” while in China, these same children “were the most sought-after as friends” (Markway 1). This is because countries such as Canada, the United States of America, and Germany promote individualism which is an environment more suited for extroverts, while countries like Finland and several East Asian countries promote collectivism, which is better for introverts (Helgoe 3).
Ultimately, neither the “Extrovert Ideal” (Cain 4) nor the “Introvert Ideal” are right or wrong, but we need to remember that each group is important. America places a large emphasis on individualism and diversity, but we forget that there is diversity within the same groups of people. There are obvious cultural and racial differences among Americans that we like to embrace, but for whatever reason, we do not promote personality diversity. This has been taken to the extreme when the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, a legendary psychology manual, has almost classified introversion as an illness twice (“Shyness: Evolutionary Tactic?” 1). Introverts constantly get pushed aside and that needs to change. It is obvious that introverts are an integral part of society. If not for the occasional solitude of the brilliant painter, writer, or scientist, many of mankind’s greatest achievements may have never been. Introversion certainly is not a disease and therefore should not be condemned.
Photo Credit: http://insidethereadingboxdotcom.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/introverted-thinkers.jpg
Works Cited
Cain, Susan. "Shyness: Evolutionary Tactic?" New York Times. 26 Jun. 2011. eLibrary. Web.
12 Mar. 2012.
Cain, Susan. Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking. New York:
Crown Publishers, 2012. Print.
Helgoe, Laurie. "Revenge of the Introvert." Psychology Today Sept.-Oct. 2010. Web. 12 Mar.
2012.
Holloway, Christena. Survey of Facebook friends. 11 Mar. 2012.
Horowitz, Alan S. "The Leader Within." Computerworld. 28 Oct. 1996: 74. eLibrary. Web. 12
Mar. 2012.
Markway, Barbara. "Quiet Excitement." Psychology Today. 23 Jan 2012. Web. 12 Mar. 2012.
Markway, Barbara. "Quiet is Not a Four-Letter Word." Psychology Today. 28 Aug 2011. Web. 12
Mar. 2012.
"The Good Side of Introverts." AllAfrica. 07 Nov. 2011 eLibrary. Web. 12 Mar. 2012.
Chances are, they don’t hate you and they are not stupid. They are probably just introverts. Introverts are defined as people who have “a preference for solitude, reflection, and internal exploration of ideas vs. active engagement and pursuit of rewards in the external/social world” (Helgoe 3). They go through life being ignored because a lot of people do not like being around them since they are not as “fun” as their more outgoing opposites, the extroverts. Although they are not as appreciated as their extrovert counterparts, introverts are all around us making positive contributions to society.
Since the beginning of time, introverts have made huge impacts in the world. Everyone has heard of Albert Einstein and Charles Darwin. These are just two of the several introverts who have made a lasting impression. Even several modern authors like J.K. Rowling, author of the hugely popular Harry Potter books, are introverted (“The Good Side of Introverts 1). A lot of people probably notice how important introverts are, but why does society focus more on extroverts? The media focuses on extroverts because they think that the general public will think their lives are more interesting. Because of their tendency to make impulsive decisions, extroverts are more likely to make bad decisions. No one wants to watch a reality TV show about a group of introverts sitting around discussing their careers, art, politics, or anything else of a “boring” nature; we want to see people drinking alcohol and getting into fights.
Even though pop culture makes extraversion appear to be the norm, there are actually just about as many solitary individuals. In a survey of my Facebook friends here in St. Joseph, MI, 54.8% of people said they were introverts, making the other 45.2% extroverts. This almost fifty-fifty split between these two personality types is also shown by more extensive surveys such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (Helgoe 3). One would think the even split would make everyone comfortable with who they are, but several people, like 55.8% of my introverted Facebook friends, have become more extroverted in an effort to fit in and make more friends. In contrast, only 14.5% of surveyed introverts and extroverts feel that introversion is a negative quality. If not many people have a problem with introversion, why do so many of us change ourselves?
First of all, I have always been an introvert. My quiet personality, understated and possibly misunderstood, has always made me feel like a freak because I was much quieter than what seemed like everyone else in the world. However, I have never changed who I am. Sadly, I hardly ever come across anyone else who is as proud of their quiet tendencies. As Susan Cain states in her book, “We’re told that to be great is to be bold, to be happy is to be sociable” (3). These are the complete opposite of introvert characteristics. The fact that so many introverts disguise their natural characteristics because of shame has made other introverts feel “alienated not only from society but from themselves” (qtd. in Helgoe 3). Fortunately, much awareness has recently been brought to this epidemic by sources such as Psychology Today and Susan Cain’s book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking.
Without reading the previously mentioned materials, the average person thinks of introverts as the nerdy geniuses who were never popular in high school, but ended up being billionaire CEOs or founders of huge companies. However, genetically, introverts have “no special advantage in intelligence” (Helgoe 2). Technically, they are not born smarter than extroverts, but they “process more information than others in any given situation (2). Research has shown that whether introverts are “in a resting state or engaged in challenging cognitive tasks,” they all had “higher levels of electrical activity [in the brain]” (4). This shows that introverts do not need to “seek out external stimulation to get their brain juices flowing” (Helgoe 4) like extroverts do. Also, introverts do not spend a large amount of their time socializing, so generally, they spend more time studying and learning.
Another common misconception is that all introverts are shy. These two terms are used interchangeably, but they are two very different things. Shyness is “fear [of] negative judgement” while “introverts simple prefer quiet, minimally stimulating environments” (“Shyness: Evolutionary Tactic?” 1). Nearly eighty-one percent of extroverts who took my survey classified introverts as shy. In contrast, only 45.9% of introverts said that they were shy. Shy people are terrified to be around others. Introverts like being around other people occasionally, but they prefer to be alone (Helgoe 2). Introverts are obviously more likely to be shy than extroverts, but introversion does not equal shyness.
Much like how there are introverts and extroverts in the human race, “sitters,” similar to introverts, and “rovers,” similar to extroverts, are found in the animal kingdom (“Shyness: Evolutionary Tactic?” 2). In an experiment done by Professor David Sloan Wilson of Binghamton University, metal traps were dropped into a pond of fish. The “rover” fish swam to the traps right away and got captured, while the “sitter” fish were more cautious, saving them from entrapment. However, the “rover” fish had an advantage when another experiment was performed by moving these fish to a different environment. The “rover” fish adapted well, but the “sitters” didn’t adapt as well because they were scared of the new habitat. Professor Wilson concluded, “There is no single best . . . [animal] personality, but rather a diversity of personalities maintained by natural selection” (qtd “Shyness: Evolutionary Tactic?” 2). Therefore, just as “sitters” and “rovers” each have their own advantages and disadvantages, introverts are not better than extroverts or vice versa; each type of person is needed in order for the world to function. Introverts “tend to think things through and consider situations carefully” (Horowitz 1), which will probably keep them safe, while extroverts are more likely to make impulsive decisions that could get them into trouble. However, their tendency to take chances means that extroverts are more likely to reap higher rewards.
Consequently, this risk-taking nature is highly valued in American society. One might think that this “Extrovert Ideal” (Cain 4) is omnipresent around the world, but there are actually quite a few countries where there is more of an “Introvert Ideal.” In a study by Xinyin Chen and Kenneth Rubin of Ontario’s Waterloo University and Yuerong Son of Shanghai Teachers University in China, it was shown that in Canada, the “shy and sensitive children were the least desirable,” while in China, these same children “were the most sought-after as friends” (Markway 1). This is because countries such as Canada, the United States of America, and Germany promote individualism which is an environment more suited for extroverts, while countries like Finland and several East Asian countries promote collectivism, which is better for introverts (Helgoe 3).
Ultimately, neither the “Extrovert Ideal” (Cain 4) nor the “Introvert Ideal” are right or wrong, but we need to remember that each group is important. America places a large emphasis on individualism and diversity, but we forget that there is diversity within the same groups of people. There are obvious cultural and racial differences among Americans that we like to embrace, but for whatever reason, we do not promote personality diversity. This has been taken to the extreme when the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, a legendary psychology manual, has almost classified introversion as an illness twice (“Shyness: Evolutionary Tactic?” 1). Introverts constantly get pushed aside and that needs to change. It is obvious that introverts are an integral part of society. If not for the occasional solitude of the brilliant painter, writer, or scientist, many of mankind’s greatest achievements may have never been. Introversion certainly is not a disease and therefore should not be condemned.
Photo Credit: http://insidethereadingboxdotcom.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/introverted-thinkers.jpg
Works Cited
Cain, Susan. "Shyness: Evolutionary Tactic?" New York Times. 26 Jun. 2011. eLibrary. Web.
12 Mar. 2012.
Cain, Susan. Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking. New York:
Crown Publishers, 2012. Print.
Helgoe, Laurie. "Revenge of the Introvert." Psychology Today Sept.-Oct. 2010. Web. 12 Mar.
2012.
Holloway, Christena. Survey of Facebook friends. 11 Mar. 2012.
Horowitz, Alan S. "The Leader Within." Computerworld. 28 Oct. 1996: 74. eLibrary. Web. 12
Mar. 2012.
Markway, Barbara. "Quiet Excitement." Psychology Today. 23 Jan 2012. Web. 12 Mar. 2012.
Markway, Barbara. "Quiet is Not a Four-Letter Word." Psychology Today. 28 Aug 2011. Web. 12
Mar. 2012.
"The Good Side of Introverts." AllAfrica. 07 Nov. 2011 eLibrary. Web. 12 Mar. 2012.