Extroversion versus Introversion

Looking at the Big Five personality assessment and even the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator assessment, the area of extroversion versus introversion plays a large role in determining personality types. Most personality tests have some sort of focus on extroversion and introversion, but what do these two words even mean? The concept of what introversion is and what extroversion is seems to be up for debate; some categorize introverts as being shy and not enjoying socialization or people in general, and some categorize extroversion as being sociable and lively. Although, on the outside it may appear to be this way, I believe that there is something that is not being said in regards to what it means to be and introvert and what it means to be an extrovert.

There seems to be a misconception that introverts dislike people, as depicted in this cartoon, but I would have to disagree with this idea. A better way of explaining what it is to be and introvert or extrovert is where their energy is directed and what is stimulating for them. As quoted from this website, which I think defines extroversion and introversion quite nicely, "The energy of extroverts is outwards, toward people and things. They need a lot of stimulation and often express emotions. [...] The energy of introverts is inward toward concepts and ideas. They need little external stimulation - and in fact they can easily be over-stimulated."

I feel that introversion is often viewed negatively, and some members of society think that introverts should conform to society's norm of extroversion, when neither extroversion nor introversion is better; they are both equally acceptable.

Although this video is somewhat strange, it's interesting if you just listed to the words themselves; it provides even more concepts as to what it means to be introverted. As they said in this video, "there's nothing wrong with being an introvert, just like there's nothing wrong with being an extrovert." Either one should be viewed for its positives, and neither one should be viewed as superior to the other.
Amanda Blake