In a world dominated by an outgoing and social crowd, an introvert is often labeled as “aloof,” “anti-social,” “reserved,” “snob,” “loner,” or “self-contained.” These unkind words suggest lack of character and smallness of personality. In an extroverted society, being outgoing and social is considered better, and more acceptable. Extroverts are praised as warm, friendly and likeable while introverts usually get the short end of the stick because of their reserved and guarded disposition.
It is very important to know that in relating to others, introverts are quiet and inhibited. In contrast to the misconceptions of most people, not all introverts are shy. Some only prefer less social activities. Introverts are energized by ideas, thoughts, and imagination inside their heads. They think before they speak, and prefer to be alone. They can concentrate well and prefer to work alone. Introverts are selective and prefer having a few close friends. They are often labeled as a “wallflower.” Extroverts on the other hand are expressive, sociable, and outgoing. They are assertive, and energized by being surrounded by people. They speak before they think, and prefer to be in the company of others. They have a lot of friends, and often labeled as “party animals,” “social butterflies” or “life of the party” (C. Caplinger. Myers-Briggs Introduction).
When it comes to information learning, introverts tend to do well academically. Introverts love to read, and they formulate their ideas clearly. Most are problem solvers, organizers, and analyzers. Introverts prefer solitary activities such as reading, writing, drawing, and using computers and most are frequently gifted in mathematics, science, music, and arts. Introverted behavior, although seen as less socially desirable, is often associated with intelligence and giftedness (Gallagher, S.A. (1990). Personality patterns of the gifted. Understanding our Gifted, 3, 11-3). On the other hand, extroverts tend to do well with things that involve human interactions. They are “risk-takers”, and that’s why they learn information from doing things themselves. Extroverts prefer activities that involve large gatherings such as parties, community activities, business, and politics. Their social skills are often praised and valued in society. Extroversion may be admired in the western society compared to introversion, but extroverted people are more likely to engage in delinquent behavior because of exposure and influence from their peers and their liberated lifestyle (Ryckman, R. Theories of Personality).
One study has shown that the minds of introverts are wired differently as compared to extroverts. Introverts have more blood flow on the frontal lobes of the brain and the frontal thalamus, which deals with internal processing such as planning and problem solving. Extroverts have more blood flow temporal lobes and the posterior thalamus, which involves sensory and emotional experiences (American Journal of Psychiatry, 156, 252-257).
As for careers, most introverts are artists, writers, sculptors, composers, and inventors. Albert Einstein, Sir Isaac Newton, Bill Gates, Marie Curie, and Wolfgang Mozart are introverts. Careers that involve minimal human interaction such as engineering, psychology, visual arts, and the medical field are suitable for introverts. As for extroverts, because of their skills in socializing, they can operate basically in any career. They are good leaders. Their ability to handle different environments gives them an edge in professional relationships and business. Extroverts excel in careers that deal with interacting with people such as sales, business, managerial positions, marketing, entertainment, and politics (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extraversion_and_introversion). But it is important to know that these statements are merely a guide based on the behaviors of each personality type and is not completely accurate. Careers that are suitable for extroverts may be successfully achieved by introverts, and careers that suits introverts may be applicable to extroverts as well. Each individual has his or her own unique skills and abilities and has the capacity to succeed on any chosen career.
Introverts and Extroverts are very different from one another, yet each has its own role that needs to be played in society. Human minds are wired and connected differently, and those differences are what make each human being stand out from others. Each has his or her own perceptions towards the world they live in. It is important that one must avoid stereotyping and labeling because humans are complex and unique. Everyone should value and appreciate the diversity of the people around them, and all should be emphatic about those differences. People are not the same, and that’s what makes living in this world more interesting.
It is very important to know that in relating to others, introverts are quiet and inhibited. In contrast to the misconceptions of most people, not all introverts are shy. Some only prefer less social activities. Introverts are energized by ideas, thoughts, and imagination inside their heads. They think before they speak, and prefer to be alone. They can concentrate well and prefer to work alone. Introverts are selective and prefer having a few close friends. They are often labeled as a “wallflower.” Extroverts on the other hand are expressive, sociable, and outgoing. They are assertive, and energized by being surrounded by people. They speak before they think, and prefer to be in the company of others. They have a lot of friends, and often labeled as “party animals,” “social butterflies” or “life of the party” (C. Caplinger. Myers-Briggs Introduction).
When it comes to information learning, introverts tend to do well academically. Introverts love to read, and they formulate their ideas clearly. Most are problem solvers, organizers, and analyzers. Introverts prefer solitary activities such as reading, writing, drawing, and using computers and most are frequently gifted in mathematics, science, music, and arts. Introverted behavior, although seen as less socially desirable, is often associated with intelligence and giftedness (Gallagher, S.A. (1990). Personality patterns of the gifted. Understanding our Gifted, 3, 11-3). On the other hand, extroverts tend to do well with things that involve human interactions. They are “risk-takers”, and that’s why they learn information from doing things themselves. Extroverts prefer activities that involve large gatherings such as parties, community activities, business, and politics. Their social skills are often praised and valued in society. Extroversion may be admired in the western society compared to introversion, but extroverted people are more likely to engage in delinquent behavior because of exposure and influence from their peers and their liberated lifestyle (Ryckman, R. Theories of Personality).
One study has shown that the minds of introverts are wired differently as compared to extroverts. Introverts have more blood flow on the frontal lobes of the brain and the frontal thalamus, which deals with internal processing such as planning and problem solving. Extroverts have more blood flow temporal lobes and the posterior thalamus, which involves sensory and emotional experiences (American Journal of Psychiatry, 156, 252-257).
As for careers, most introverts are artists, writers, sculptors, composers, and inventors. Albert Einstein, Sir Isaac Newton, Bill Gates, Marie Curie, and Wolfgang Mozart are introverts. Careers that involve minimal human interaction such as engineering, psychology, visual arts, and the medical field are suitable for introverts. As for extroverts, because of their skills in socializing, they can operate basically in any career. They are good leaders. Their ability to handle different environments gives them an edge in professional relationships and business. Extroverts excel in careers that deal with interacting with people such as sales, business, managerial positions, marketing, entertainment, and politics (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extraversion_and_introversion). But it is important to know that these statements are merely a guide based on the behaviors of each personality type and is not completely accurate. Careers that are suitable for extroverts may be successfully achieved by introverts, and careers that suits introverts may be applicable to extroverts as well. Each individual has his or her own unique skills and abilities and has the capacity to succeed on any chosen career.
Introverts and Extroverts are very different from one another, yet each has its own role that needs to be played in society. Human minds are wired and connected differently, and those differences are what make each human being stand out from others. Each has his or her own perceptions towards the world they live in. It is important that one must avoid stereotyping and labeling because humans are complex and unique. Everyone should value and appreciate the diversity of the people around them, and all should be emphatic about those differences. People are not the same, and that’s what makes living in this world more interesting.
This is a very interesting and informative essay. You had a strong lead in and conclusion. I can tell you used the point by point format and it was very coherent. I liked how you pointed out that introverted people are usually labled as reserved or antisocial, but really they just are mis understood.
ReplyDelete