Humanitarian Socionics

Extroverts and introverts. Extroversion / introversion dichotomy in socionics

On the physical level, extroverts are distinguished by their ability to spend energy in activities that require no deep thought. They actively explore the outside world, influencing it with impulsive actions. An extrovert behaves energetically since the energy is born within them with some excess and it needs to be put to good use somewhere.

An introvert does not have such energy reserves as an extrovert, so they behave more restrained and conservative with their efforts. They would rather under-do than over-do. They draw energy from the outside. They require a push from more energetic people.

Psychologically, extroverts are more open people in informal communication. They understand themselves through other people. Direct self-reflection is a problem for them. Without receiving information from the outside, an extrovert feels inner emptiness. This information vacuum is more difficult to experience for them than the energy vacuum.

Introverts, when they communicate informally, automatically close off. Their inner world is protected from the intruders. They know themselves very well. They have difficulties with knowing other people. Having no external information causes an introvert to generate it themselves. It is much worse for them without external energy supply.

In a society, extroverts show expansive tendencies. They are more often endowed with leadership skills. They tend to better manage larger teams than smaller ones. In public life, they need to be noticed, to actively influence the opinions or actions of people around them.

An introvert is less likely to become a leader of large groups. They emerge as leaders in smaller groups, for example, in a family unit, serving as their support. It is more difficult for introverts to take responsibility for other people, and it is always more convenient for them to avoid competition and expansion.

The intellectual activity of an extrovert is fast. An extrovert processes more information per unit of time than an introvert. An extrovert usually appears more "intelligent" with higher IQ scores because this measurement requires completion of tasks quickly within a limited amount of time.

Introverts think more slowly. They delve deep into a subject and work it out better but lose on speed. Introverts win intellectual competitions only when the time to complete tasks is unlimited.