Differences between Introvert and Extrovert

Each person is special and unique. The characteristics of a human being define the unique essence of their person. What is the difference between introverts and extroverts ? In this article, we go deeper into this question. What are the frequent characteristics of an introverted person? What are the characteristics of an extrovert? How do these differences manifest themselves? In this article we answer these questions.

You may also be interested: What is an outgoing person and its characteristics?


Meaning of Introvert

The definition of an introvert would be that it presents introversion. The Introversion is a personality trait or one of the poles of introversion-factor extraversion personality. The end of introversion would be defined as a reserved person, who does not usually express their thoughts and emotions, quiet or uncommunicative, reserved, shy and inhibited. It consists of having an inclination for the inner world more than for the external world, that is, the preference for spending time doing individual activities. Introverted people are not incapable of relating, but neither is their priority.

Introversion is due to a greater sensitivity to stimulation , because the brain of an introverted person has higher levels of excitation. That is, introverted people are more sensitive to stimuli, so they need fewer social interactions and spend more time alone.

There is still a popular belief that introversion is negative, but it is simply a tendency in a personality factor. Therefore, it is not, in itself, neither negative nor positive , but has both benefits and disadvantages.

5 Characteristics of introverted people

Each person is unique and different, but, in general, among the characteristics of introvert people are the following:
  1. Listen carefully. Many people find in the friendship of an introverted person the discretion, trust and empathy of someone who stands out for their willingness to listen. Introverted people also enjoy sharing information about themselves, but prefer the intimacy of small groups and spaces of trust. They do not feel comfortable being the center of attention in a new place.
  2. Lonely time. Every human being needs to spend time alone as it relates to others. However, the relationship that a person maintains with loneliness is very linked to the bond that establishes itself. An introverted person finds in those spaces of solitude a refuge of tranquility. Someone introverted searches for these moments on their own initiative. An introverted person has a wide inner world full of nuances. An interior world that acquires a special role in those spaces of silence and solitude. Thanks to this, boredom is a rare consequence in those who have this positive disposition toward loneliness.
  3. Thoughtful people. The instants of loneliness described in the previous point are also a manifestation of inner reflection. A quality that in bonds with other people is manifested through words that nourish and contribute. A reflection that seeks the ability to observe beyond the appearance and reach that which is beyond the surface.
  4. Find your place when you are in a group. When participating in a social event with a large number of attendees, the protagonist seeks his own comfort zone in an environment that, a priori, does not particularly motivate him. For example, look for the closeness of a friend with whom you feel good.
  5. Personal conversation topics. Introverts also enjoy sharing jokes and relaxed anecdotes. However, the main center of their conversations is occupied by more personal topics and more relevant issues that favor an enriching dialogue around a conversation plan with another friend.


Meaning of extrovert

The definition of extrovert would be that it presents extraversion. The extraversion is a personality trait or one of the poles of introversion-factor extraversion personality. The extreme of extraversion would be defined as a person of an open, communicative nature, expressing his thoughts and emotions , unwrapped and uninhibited. An outgoing person has to lean towards the outside world, prefers to spend time doing group activities and to be continuously in relationship with others. Extroverted people have a lower level of activation and prefer to increase it through external stimuli such as social interactions.

In the West, extroverted people are more valued, because there is still a belief in society that extraversion is better. But no, just like introversion, it is simply a tendency in a personality factor and is not, in itself, neither negative nor positive , but has both benefits and disadvantages.

5 Characteristics of extrovert people

Each person is unique and different, but, in general, among the characteristics of extroverted people are the following:
  1. Adaptation to change. From the point of view of leisure, they are people who are soon integrated into a new environment. They enjoy this situation as an opportunity to meet new people and have new experiences.
  2. Wide social circle . As a consequence of the previous point and other factors, an outgoing person also usually has a broad social environment composed of people from different groups.
  3. Leadership . In groups of friends, it is possible for an outgoing person to join the group around a common goal. For example, schedule a plan. In that case, he will love giving ideas, leading the process of specifying details and motivating others with the illusion of being together.
  4. Search for novelty . If extroverted people like to go out of their comfort zone in the field of leisure plans and personal relationships is because the search for novelty is an incentive that activates the surprise factor in front of the routine.
  5. They feel comfortable when they are protagonists . In those moments in which the person focuses the attention of the conversation in a group, usually feel comfortable and enjoy the moment. Just as it is important not to confuse shyness with being introverted, it is also important not to confuse this characteristic of extroverts with a constant ego manifestation.

Differences between introverts and extroverts

How are introverts different from extroverts? In the first place, introversion and extraversion are two extremes of the same factor or a continuum. Most people are not at either end, but they are in the middle of the line, towards one of the two extremes. Being introverted or extroverted means that there is a stable tendency to behave in a manner compatible with either of the two options. That does not mean that you always respond in a particular way, since the way a person behaves can fluctuate in the line and change depending on the moment and the situation.

One of the most visible differences between introverts and extroverts is the way of relating to others . From what has been said so far, it is possible to observe how introverted and extroverted people equally enjoy social relationships, however, they do so in a different way. While an outgoing person loves novelty and large groups, someone introverted feels more comfortable in conversation for two or a few people. The difference is not in social skills, but in the motivation to relate .

Similarly, introverts and extroverts also have different ways of relating to their outer and inner world . While introverts enjoy long periods of solitude, these moments being a reason for rest and tranquility, an outgoing person seeks external stimuli. In the case of extroverts, they turn to others to find stimulation, to keep their self-esteem high and to comfort them. On the other hand, introverts use their own thoughts and feelings as a source of inspiration.

Although an extroverted person may have a larger social circle than an introverted person, many of these links are formed by a superficial relationship whose topics of conversation do not revolve around very personal issues. On the contrary, an introverted person prioritizes the relationship with their usual circle of intimacy.

Introversion is related to a greater sensitivity to punishment , therefore, introverted people tend to be more respectful of the rules. While, extroverts are more sensitive to reward , therefore, extroverts tend to seek new experiences and take risks. In the same way, when making decisions , introverts are more prone to carefully assess the consequences to choose an option in a reflexive way. On the other hand, extroverted people tend to behave more impulsively.

Several scientific studies have shown that the differences between the two poles of this personality factor have biological bases . Anatomical and functional differences have been found in the Central Nervous System , such as, for example, the system of ascending reticular activation and the inhibitory system that comprises the orbitofrontal cortex, the medial septum area and the hippocampus.