To think extroverts are strangely viewed.

[Thewheelsfelloffthebus]

Something I’ve noticed recently - it seems to be a “thing” to declare yourself as an introvert. Additionally I’ve been bombarded with ads on Facebook etc that are tagged “for introverts” - for example “learn how to do x even though you’re an introvert”.

It’s as though extraverts are unseemly or something. Now I know that generally this type of post will bring out a million introverts (funnily enough never the extroverts).

@Thewheelsfelloffthebus

Something I’ve noticed recently - it seems to be a “thing” to declare yourself as an introvert. Additionally I’ve been bombarded with ads on Facebook etc that are tagged “for introverts” - for example “learn how to do x even though you’re an introvert”.

It’s as though extraverts are unseemly or something. Now I know that generally this type of post will bring out a million introverts (funnily enough never the extroverts).

Do you also claim All Lives Matter?

I get what you mean OP. I'm an extrovert and a lot of the things I read online seem to suggest that extroverts are shallow, needy and ignorant to the feelings of introverts.

@JuniperFather wtf? No - but are you saying that introverts are oppressed? Or that extroverts should be considering their extrovert privileges?

@Waxonwaxoff0 well bearing in mind that questioning this has just had me compared to a racist - i rather think I’m right!

OP yeah, much fairer to go back to everything being set up for extraverts. And for them to continue to treat introverts as weirdos, so they don't dare to admit how they feel or talk about what it's like to be an introvert in a world not built for them. It's like men complaining about women getting above their station.

[quote Thewheelsfelloffthebus]@JuniperFather wtf? No - but are you saying that introverts are oppressed? Or that extroverts should be considering their extrovert privileges?[/quote]
Maybe it's worth considering why introverts might need articles and advice that help them in certain work situation etc.

Should we have an International Men's Day just to even things up? Should we have White History Month?

Does every issuance of content to help a group of people in society, have to be balanced out by acknowledgement of its opposite/the predominant group?

YABU.

@Pinklynx it’s a personality type - I’m not even 100% sure which side I fall on (I enjoy being in a group, but spend a lot of time alone). I don’t think it’s a group that’s oppressed to be honest. If so - why?

Or are you confusing being an introvert with being shy?

The world is geared up towards extroverts and always has been. It’s viewed as the ideal way to be, and introversion is a flaw that needs to be fixed.

Every school report and parents evening for an introverted child normally focuses on how the child needs to speak up more, work better in groups, and basically be more extroverted. Why? Introverts work just as well as extroverts, just in a very different way.

The world needs both to function well, but up until recently introversion has always been viewed as a character flaw that needs fixing. This is slowly beginning to change, which surely can only be a good thing?

@JuniperFather erm why no articles giving extroverts tips on say how to deal with loneliness, or lockdown etc? The world isn’t “built” for either personality type.

International Men’s Day is November 19th and has been since 1991.

@MoonBabysMagicalKalimba is that not more about worrying about a child’s confidence?

[quote Thewheelsfelloffthebus]@JuniperFather erm why no articles giving extroverts tips on say how to deal with loneliness, or lockdown etc? The world isn’t “built” for either personality type.[/quote]
If you don't see the content you need in the world, write it.

Or start a union for extroverts who are struggling with having their usual social conduits removed due to lockdown.

As for the world being "built"....well yeah it isn't "built" for anyone. But there are thousands of studies which show that extrovert personality types tend to dominate and succeed in a number of environments.

I am one. I am an extrovert. I don't begrudge however the dozens of articles on introverts. I respect the personality type, I work with introverts, my DW is one, hell, I RELY on introverts in my life. Reading is understanding, it perhaps changes how I view things, allows me to analyse the impact I have on others.

I think it's a bit of a backlash against the widely held view that being an introvert is somehow 'less'. Saying about a child they're reserved and shy isnt normally positive. Being quiet in an interview isnt seen as good as being confident. Describing someone as introverted isnt usually a compliment compared to say calling them bubbly or entertaining.

It's taken me til my late 30s to realise that actually there isnt anything wrong with being an introvert, just as there isnt anything wrong with being an extrovert. And that if someone says 'you dont say much do you're that reflects worse on them than me. All because of the subtle ways people imply extroverts are better.

Why does it bother you that people are trying to make themselves feel a bit better about preferring a book over a party?

Also I think there are loads of articles about trying to help people struggling in lockdown

@Thewheelsfelloffthebus but why is introversion linked to being unconfident?

I was never an unconfident child, I would speak up when I had something to say but otherwise I preferred listening and taking everything in. I had plenty of friends, but I much preferred working by myself when it came to school projects, and I’m still this way now. But these were seen as flaws by every teacher I had.

On the other hand, I have known many classic extroverts who have had very low self confidence below the exterior, and who suffer from crippling insecurity. Also, a lot of actors and performers are introverted!

As a society we need to stop equating introversion = insecurity/lack of confidence, and extroversion = high confidence.

I've just re-read the title I can't really call it a premise of your OP.

So because there is content supporting and helping introverts, this means that extroverts are automatically strangely viewed?

It's about time introverts were allowed to feel better about themselves.

There’s a book called “Quiet” (the author’s name escapes me) about the power of being introverted. In it there is a chapter on business schools, I think Harvard in particular, and how a lot of the curriculum is geared towards networking, making contacts, constantly attending events and group project after group project. This is pushed as very much the way to succeed in business, you must be extroverted to succeed.

But the most successful business people of our generation? Bill Gates. Steve Jobs. Mark Zuckerberg. All classic introverts!

@MoonBabysMagicalKalimba ah I see what you mean. Yes I guess that the traits you mentioned aren’t necessarily a sign of under confidence but rather are viewed as such.

According to Myers Briggs there are 16 personality types. Try this to find out what type you are Myers Briggs personalities we are all a blend of Stengths and weaknesses. We sometimes get on well with those that are similar and those that are different. No one 'type' is better or worse or more or less annoying than any other. It's really useful to identify your traits and those of friends etc to understand them better.

As I’ve said - I’m not entirely sure which side of the introvert/extrovert type I fall myself (I enjoy the book one day the party the next for example).
But it does seem that it’s as if extroverts are viewed as somehow pushier, nastier etc. This is sort of evidenced by some of the replies to my op to be honest

There does seem to be a thing of 'competitive introversion' from some people now - claiming to be introvert because they associate it with nice, intelligent, sensitive, reflective - and a suggestion that extroverts are annoying, insensitive, hard work etc. When really it's much more nuanced than that.

I don't know where I sit to be honest - I'm happy in my own company, but I am sociable; I don't mind being the centre of attention, but I don't aim for it either; I'm quite confident on the inside, but don't come over that way to others.

It is annoying when some people try to claim 'introversion' as an excuse when you know it's just flakiness and an inability to keep promises or consider other people. Being inconsiderate is not introversion!

@Echobelly I think you’ve hit the nail on the head of what I’m referring to.

When you get right down to the root of it, all it boils down to is that introverts recharge their batteries by being alone. They can go to a big party, or a crazy hen weekend, and be sociable and have a good time, but afterwards they must have time on their own to recharge.

Whereas extroverts recharge by being around others, and refuel themselves by feeding off of the social interactions.