The Truth About The Difference Between Introverts And Extroverts

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word “Introvert”? Shy, quiet, someone who would rather stay alone for the weekend than spends their time socializing, right? In contrast, extroverts are those outgoing people who enjoy being in a crowd. We all think this is the difference between these two personality types.

In fact, the real difference between extroverts and introverts lies in their response to stimuli from the environment and how they recharge their batteries.

For instance, extroverts get energized when they’re surrounded by people. On the other hand, introverts don’t want to spend all their time alone and they certainly don’t hate socializing.

Actually, introverts get easily overwhelmed because of their low level of dopamine which is an important neurotransmitter that motivates us to take an action to achieve our goals. Therefore, they want to spend some time alone, recharge their batteries, and regain energy.

According to a research, introverts and extroverts process rewards differently. Extroverts have more active dopamine reward system; therefore, they get more excited and love adventures.

On the other hand, introverts have less active dopamine reward system, so they care about rewards but don’t really chase them like extroverts do.

According to Hans Eysenck, these 2 personality types behave differently because of a different brain psychology; their brain is wired differently. Moreover, while extroverts have lower levels of arousal, introverts tend to keep it to a minimum. Therefore, extroverts seek excitement and introverts- peace and tranquility.

Also, extroverts have faster processing brains, so the pathway of stimuli in their brain is shorter. On the other hand, the pathway of stimuli in introverts’ brain, called Acetylcholine, is different, longer. In other words, the stimulus goes through different parts of the brain.

There is so much happening in introverts’ brain! Introverts always think, rethink, analyze, over-analyze before they act. That’s why they don’t react immediately.

They are detail-oriented, conscious about their mistakes, focused, think before deciding.…their brain rarely relaxes. This is the reason why introverts get easily overwhelmed when they are surrounded by people and noise, and that’s why the need to spend time alone.

How do introverts and extroverts react in certain situations?

An introvert and an extrovert need to decide about something. What do they do? While the extrovert thinks about it and makes a final decision, the introvert seems to be stuck in their analyzing. They consider all the details and possible scenarios before they make the decision…which will be analyzed again.

An introvert and an extrovert need to travel every day to their workplace. How do they feel? While the extrovert is excited, the introvert gets butterflies in their stomach because of the sudden change. They get shy about meeting new people while their fellows introduce themselves and start a conversation with everyone.

An introvert and an extrovert have a job meeting. They want to share their ideas. The extrovert talks with a confidence about what they think. The introvert carefully listens; they will gladly share their ideas…if someone asks them.

In the end, it doesn’t matter whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert; there’s beauty in each of these 2 personalities. Accept yourself the way you are and celebrate every part of yourself that benefits those around you.