It’s not that uncommon for me to see a tweet which reads “(insert person’s name) can’t be an introvert! They tweet every 5 seconds.” The problem with this statement is that it’s spreading an old and inaccurate stereotype which equates introversion with being unsociable.
Most leaders of the Introvert Revolution define introversion in terms of stimulation. Introverts have a higher base level of stimulation, so we get overstimulated more quickly than extroverts. Introverts need time alone to recharge because being alone is generally less stimulating than being in a social situation.
Introvert is not a synonym for unsociable or shy. Shyness is a fear of social situations, whereas introversion refers to the base level of stimulation. Shy extroverts do exist.
Introverts can be, and often are, sociable online. And someone’s sociability (either offline or online) doesn’t dictate where they fall on the introvert/extrovert spectrum. Most introverts like being social, but they generally dislike being social in a situation which is loud or overstimulating, like a party. For many of us introverts, Twitter and Facebook is a sweet spot. Social Media can allow an introvert to think through a thought before they make it public. Social media allows introverts to jump in and out of conversations as they choose. And when we’re overwhelmed we can stop socializing without coming off as rude.
So if you’re an introvert who loves to be on social media, don’t worry. You didn’t suddenly become an extrovert, you just found something that you enjoy that doesn’t overwhelm you.
