Have you seen the jokes on social media about the different ways the COVID-19 virus is affecting extroverts vs. introverts? The jokes say that introverts have been socially distancing before it was cool to social distance, 2020 is the Year of the Introvert, and introverts no longer need to feel guilty for saying “No” to plans to go out. You will not find as many extrovert jokes except the ones showing desperation and a plea for help. So, how has the virus affected extroverts, and why are introverts having such fun with it?
Before COVID-19 changed our world, introverts often felt misunderstood or judged for being less outgoing. Often, we think introverts to be snobs, too reserved or even antisocial. It was an extrovert’s world back then, a world of large social groups, big classrooms at school, crowded activities and social events, business meetings, brainstorming sessions, and conferences. Situations in which extroverts thrive and introverts dread. For a moment, with lockdown and quarantine, this all came to a screeching halt and introverts heaved a collective sigh of relief. Peace, at last! Except for those who have children at home, out of school and distance learning. Extroverts, however, were thrown into turmoil. No more going out? No more seeing friends and having fun? Oh, no!
Extroverts are energized by social events. When they have to be alone, they like to have music or some kind of external stimulation to keep the energy level up. Conversation, especially small talk, is easy for them, and verbalizing their thoughts helps them to make decisions faster. While they are sometimes perceived as being pushy and may not think before they speak, they do work well in group settings and can adapt easily to sudden changes. Everyone is a friend to an extrovert.
At the opposite end of the personality spectrum are the introverts. Social events and external stimulation drains them and they enjoy their alone time, often spending it in silence so they can hear themselves think. They like to work independently and can be their most creative without any distractions. Email or texting is their preferred form of communication as they express themselves better through the written word than verbally. Introverts have fewer friends, by choice, but are extremely loyal to those they have.
Previous studies stated that one in three people are introverts. Some of us happily go along with these distinctions and we act accordingly. Psychologists are now finding, however, that few people actually fall exclusively at one end of the personality spectrum or the other and that we draw energy from a variety of different sources. Most of us fall somewhere in the middle. The new term for this is ambivert. While they might have a more dominant basic personality type, they can switch depending on their mood, environment or objective.
After the initial shock and fear of COVID-19 subsided and we gradually came out of isolation, society started adapting to what some are calling the “new normal.” Social media has become even more utilized, video conferencing and telehealth expanded, and people found ways to be socially distanced for safety, but at the same time, still be together. This is a positive blending of both the introvert and extrovert worlds. We seem to have come to a better understanding of each other and our basic personality types through the COVID-19 pandemic experience. Maybe it would now be appropriate to call this an ambivert world and that moves us forward while navigating a different terrain. QCBN
By Sharon Larkin
Sharon Larkin, West Yavapai Guidance Clinic, Quality Management Department