I miss the days of Web 1.0, when it was okay for a geek to be an introvert.
- kariume (Kari), Twitter
Was it ever "okay" to be an introvert in Western culture? I doubt it. Geeks and artists and writers (creative types) can probably get away with it when they're working, but for the rest of us, introversion means we appear to be antisocial and in this society that is regarded as suspect.
I don't know, though - I keep meaning to look into it further. Probably everybody is a bit of an introvert sometimes - it's probably a sliding scale between extremes of extroversion and introversion. And it's not the same thing as being shy or socially anxious.
From a great article by Jonathan Rauch, Caring for your introvert:
What is introversion?
Extroverts are energized by people, and wilt or fade when alone. They often seem bored by themselves, in both senses of the expression. Leave an extrovert alone for two minutes and he will reach for his cell phone. In contrast, after an hour or two of being socially "on," we introverts need to turn off and recharge. My own formula is roughly two hours alone for every hour of socializing. This isn't antisocial. It isn't a sign of depression. It does not call for medication. For introverts, to be alone with our thoughts is as restorative as sleeping, as nourishing as eating. Our motto: "I'm okay, you're okay—in small doses."
And if you like that article, be sure to see the follow-up conversation between Sage Stossel and Jonathan Rauch, Introverts of the world, unite!
