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Scientists don’t know for sure what causes introversion or extraversion, but research suggests the two personality types are wired a little differently.
Introverts tend to show higher activity in certain areas of the frontal lobe, a region involved in planning, problem-solving, and memory. Extroverts, by contrast, exhibit more activity in brain regions linked to reward and sensory processing.
Introverts and extroverts also respond differently to dopamine, the chemical tied to motivation and reward. Extroverts tend to get a stronger boost from rewarding experiences, while introverts are more sensitive to stimulation and may feel easily overwhelmed.
Being an introvert isn’t an all-or-nothing type of label. Psychologists think of introversion and extraversion as a spectrum. Some introverts are more introverted than other introverts.
Most introverts have a few extroverted traits mixed in, and vice versa. There are many ways to be an introvert, and your style can shift depending on life and context.
One popular framework divides introverts into four types:
- Social introverts. The “classic” introvert who prefers small groups and quiet settings over large crowds.
- Thinking introverts. Daydreamers who spend lots of time in their thoughts and have rich imaginations.
- Anxious introverts. People who seek alone time not just for peace, but also because social situations can feel awkward or draining.
- Restrained/inhibited introverts. Those who think before they act, carefully weighing decisions rather than acting on impulse.
Your introverted tendencies may shift over time and across different situations. You’re unlikely to swing from introvert to extrovert, but you can become more or less introverted depending on what’s going on in your life.
According to a popular misconception, introverts are shy, but these are two different things.
Shy people tend to feel awkward or uncomfortable when they’re around others, especially strangers. They might skip social events because they don’t like the negative feelings that take over their thoughts and bodies when they participate in parties or other activities.
Introverts also prefer to skip social events, but it’s not necessarily because they have strong negative reactions to larger gatherings the way shy people do; they just prefer being alone or in very small groups.
Though the personality trait might manifest differently depending on the person, signs that you are an introvert include:
- Need quiet to concentrate
- Are reflective
- Are self-aware
- Take time making decisions
- Feel comfortable being alone
- Don’t like group work
- Prefer writing to talking
- Feel tired after being in a crowd
- Have few friendships but are very close with those friends
- Daydream or use your imagination to work out a problem
- Retreat into your own mind to rest
One might think modern life would make it easier to be alone. The internet lets you do many jobs and accomplish many tasks from a distance, and social media can provide some limited form of connection without actually having to endure a crowded bus or a lengthy conversation. But those same technological conveniences can also start encroaching on us.
“It’s repulsive to be so in touch, and feel like you’re literally in a crowd even if you’re alone in a room,” said Anneli Rufus, the author of Party of One: The Loners’ Manifesto. So let's be kinder to the quiet type.