Extroversion is characterized by sociability, talkativeness, assertiveness, and excitability.
Extroverts feel energized when they spend time socializing with other people.
It is important to remember that extroversion and introversion represent a continuum.
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These individuals are often described as being full of life, energy, and positivity.
In group situations,extroverts(extraverts) are likely to talk often and assert themselves.
Introverts, on the other hand, are people who are low in extroversion.
They tend to be quiet, reserved and less involved in social situations.
It is important to note thatintroversionand shyness are not the same.
People low in extroversion are not afraid of social situations.
They simply prefer to spend more time alone and do not need as much social stimulation.
Extroverts are often unfairly stereotyped as overly talkative or attention-seeking.
In reality, they simply gain energyfrom engaging in social interaction.
People who are high in extroversion need social stimulation to feel energized.
They gain inspiration and excitement from talking and discussing ideas with other people.
An extrovert may be:
Is It Extroversion or Extraversion?
You may have noticed that sometimes the term is spelled extroversion, and other times it’s spelled extraversion.
So what’s the difference?
Does that subtle difference in the letter affect the meaning?
Is one more correct than the other?
Technically speaking, it was originally spelled extraversion.
So while extravert is the original spelling, extrovert is also accepted.
What Causes Extroversion?
Genetics
Extroversion clearly has a strong genetic component.
Environment
While genetics play an important role, environmental influences also help shape personality.
Sibling studies suggest that individual experiences carry greater weight than shared experiences in families.
Variability in this trait may be linked to differences in cortical arousal.
Extroversion and Behavior
How does extroversion affect behavior?
Researchers have found that being high in thispersonality traitis linked to a number of different tendencies.
In addition to contributing to personality, this trait may also play a role in career choices.
These might includes jobs in teaching, sales, marketing, public relations, and politics.
Introverts prefer less social interaction, so jobs that require lots of independent work are often ideal.
Writing, computer programming, engineering, and accounting might appeal to a person low in extroversion.
How Common Is Extroversion?
In a study published in 2015, researchers found that extroverts tend to be overrepresented in social networks.
Becauseoutgoing, popular people tend to have a lot of friends, they are disproportionately represented in social networks.
The researchers also suggested that there are two key factors that determine who people become friends with.
Extroverts tend to be very sociable, making them more likely to form new friendships than introverts.
People also tend to form friendships with people with similar levels of extroversion as themselves.
Introverts, however, might have a better grasp of the true structure of social networks.
Are You an Extrovert?
Can You Become More Extroverted?
If you tend to be more introverted, you might wonder if it’s possible to become more extroverted.
One 2020 study found that wanting to become more extroverted was one of the most common personal development goals.
This likely stems from the fact that extroversion tends to be more celebrated in modern society.
Psychologists suggest that a completeshift in your underlying personality is unlikely.
However, it’s possible for you to adopt more extroverted habits.
Be Intentional
Acting extroverted in social situations can bedraining for most introverts.
One way to deal with this is to adopt extroverted tendencies in cases that offer the most significant benefit.
For example, you might try actingmore extroverted at work or in social relationships.
Trying to be extroverted all of the time can lead to exhaustion andburnout.
Being intentional about when you act more extroverted can ensure that you are not overdoing it.
Planning somealone timeis a great way to recharge and restore your energy levels.
Just verify that you are practicing positive self-talk and scheduling time for yourself to recharge.
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