Written by Bedirhan Atabay
The categorization of society into two groups is seen in many parts of our globe, yet it still fascinates experts and scientists with its complexity and deep meaning. One of these categorizations is the categorization of the people depending on how active they are socially. The people who are more active and energetic are the people that we call “Extroverts”. On the other hand, “Introverts” are people that are easily getting tired from social interactions, as they require to rest alone right after a social interaction (5). Many people are struggling to understand these differences. Some suggest that the “Introverts” are socially unsuccessful and therefore are pushing themselves to be alone since they are scared (3). However, on many occasions, scientific researches prove to us that this is definitely not the case (3). It is proven that introverts can be pretty active and they do enjoy social activities until a specific point. However, they instead choose to separate themselves from the rest of the people by their own will due to their high burnout speed.
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The reason that lies below these differences is the different neurotransmitters of the extroverts and introverts. To put it short, there is a neurotransmitter called dopamine. Dopamine determines your reaction to the events around you, whether if you give a quick reaction or no reaction at all (1). This neurotransmitter exists both in Extroverts’ and Introverts’ brains; however, the determining factor here is the speed of the reaction. Extroverts are capable of rewarding dopamine better than introverts do (1). Therefore, they are having more absurd, common, and quick reactions to the events occurring around them and this makes them more outgoing and active. On the other hand, Introverts are not having that fast of a reward system for dopamine, and they instead tend to prefer another neurotransmitter called acetylcholine (1). The main difference between those two neurotransmitters is that this hormone is making us more energetic and relaxed when we are alone, focused, calm, and inwards (1). Another reason behind this is the faster process of responding due to the shorter way between the areas of the brain where our senses are processed and the entrance of the new information for the extroverts (2). It is important to mention that this is a theory, and that we cannot be certain about the accuracy of this influence (2). The final reason behind this is the fact that introverts have a larger gray area, the area that is heavily connected with abstract thought and is important in determining how we make decisions (2). All of those reasons are making introverts less active then introverts, and are making them calmer instead.
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Introverts and Extroverts have their very own features that are making them special. Both groups tend to socialize at some point; however, introverts are calmer in their relationships and tend to end the conversation quickly if they have their burnout moment. Still, the truth is that many introverts can properly socialize and are well capable of building those social relationships all by themselves, making the prejudices of many about introverts incorrect. Introverts and Extroverts always hold something that the other side simply does not, and this creates a connection between them, as the extrovert can help the introvert to socialize and the introvert can help the extrovert to calm down and act recklessly on many occasions. Neuroscience explains to us the very nature of those differences and connections, and as our knowledge about it increases, we will know more about the validity of the theories and what we can do to adapt to these situations.
References:
Granneman, J. (2015, December 21). Why Introverts and Extroverts Are Different: The Science. Quiet. https://quietrev.com/why-introverts-and-extroverts-are-different-the-science/.
Granneman, J. (2022). Introverts’ and Extroverts’ Brains Really Are Different, According to Science. IntrovertDear.com. https://introvertdear.com/news/introverts-and-extroverts-brains-really-are-different-according-to-science/.
Fielding, S. (2019, October 21). 7 Myths About Introverts and Extroverts That Need to Go. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/myths-about-introverts-and-extroverts#1.-Only-extroverts-like-to-socialize.
Livingston, M. (2019, October 23). Introvert vs. extrovert: What they mean and why it matters. CNET. https://www.cnet.com/health/the-difference-between-introverts-and-extroverts/.
MSEd, K. C. (2022, May 13). 8 Signs You're an Introvert. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/signs-you-are-an-introvert-2795427.
Introvert vs Extrovert: Difference Between Introverts & Extroverts. (n.d.). https://www.crystalknows.com/blog/introvert-vs-extrovert.
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