The Rise Of Introversion In A World Of Extroverts

photo source

We have learned quite a lot in recent years about the habits of introverts and their incredible potential for success. Introversion over the past few years has become more and more socially acceptable. Which oddly enough used to be viewed in a somewhat negative light. This "cultural movement" seemed to have gained traction thanks to Susan Cain. Cain gave a TED Talk in February 2012, explaining the power of introverts. In this TED Talk she explains:

In a culture where being social and outgoing are prized above all else, it can be difficult, even shameful, to be an introvert. But, introverts bring extraordinary talents and abilities to the world, and should be encouraged and celebrated.

Following the year after Susan Cain's TED talk, she wrote a novel titled Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking. After the rapid increase in popularity of her TED Talk and book, Susan turned into the voice and revolutionary that introverts needed. Her words help to shine a different light on the quiet ones. With more than one third of the population in the U.S. identifying as introvert, Susan Cain was able to be the voice that gave them the recognition that was long overdue. Her words gave people the power to change not only how we see introverts but how they see themselves as well.

In Quiet, Susan Cain explains how we dramatically undervalue introverts and explains how much we lose in doing so. She also introduces us to many well known successful introverts including Rosa Parks, Albert Einstein, Steven Spielberg and Bill Gates. In her words,

Introverts range from a witty public speaker who recharges in solitude after his talks, to a record-breaking salesman who quietly taps into the power of questions.

After the increase in popularity of this "cultural movement", many other novels were released including Introvert Power: Why Your Inner Life Is Your Hidden Strength by Laurie Helgoe and The Secret Lives of Introverts: Inside Our Hidden World by Jenn Granneman. Which are both very insightful reads into the mind of an introvert.

One study that I found quite interesting, concluded that most individuals can feel depleted after a social activity regardless whether they're introverted or extroverted. This study conducted at the University of Helsinki in Finland reiterates an important aspect of introverts. That introverts especially more than extroverts need time to recharge alone after spending time socializing. This is precisely what extroverts had a hard time understanding before Susan Cain came along to give them a different perspective.

The study tracked 48 students at Finnish universities, who reported their mood, stress, and fatigue five times a day for 12 days. After the 12 days passed, they took a personality test which measured their neuroticism, openness, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and extroversion.

Extroverted behavior, the researchers found, made people feel happier and less tired in the moment, but they were consistently more fatigued three hours later. This happened regardless of whether they scored as extroverted or introverted on the personality test, suggesting that everyone, regardless of their vert, needs some time to recharge after socializing.

For those who do feel depleted after social interaction or after working hard, it may be pleasant to learn that such a reaction is quite normal and does not imply that one is an introvert or that one is lazy.

Essentially no one behaves like a stereotypical introvert or extrovert all the time. Most characteristics that are popularly associated with introverts may be the result of other traits, or as this study suggests, just a normal part of being human. Your vert is not your destiny, just a piece of a complex personality puzzle.

Most might assume that that know what introversion is, but according to Jonathon Cheek, a psychology professor at Wellesley College, "When you survey a person on the street, asking them to define introversion, what comes up is the prototypical characteristics like thoughtful or introspective, and yet neither of these things are part of the definition of the trait."

Generally people tend to define introversion by what it is not: extroversion. This is not quite the case. Professor Cheek concluded from his study that there's isn't just one way to describe an introvert. There are 4 types of introversion that someone can define an individual as being an introvert.

source

Whether you claim to be a thinking introvert, social introvert, extrovert, or somewhere in the middle of all the characteristics, it's important to accept the various widespread social characteristics that make a man's mind tick. Treat your fellow man as you would like to be treated. I for one am very happy that introverts are finally getting the understanding that they deserve. I thought I knew what introversion was before I read these studies. Over time the different types of introversion will transforms and adapt with the rapidly changing world around us, and along with that with every person the word might mean something slightly different.

What are your thoughts?

-Lauren