Introversion vs Extraversion

Introversion vs Extraversion was the very first article we ever published on this blog. Of course, looking back on it, I cringe. Considering how integral this topic is, I thought it was worth a rewrite, so here we are.

People say a lot of things about introversion vs extraversion, in regard to how the two differ. The average person who’s not hooked on personality theory defines those words in relation to how outgoing someone is, or how people-oriented they are. Within the typology community, people often, mistakenly, define it in a similar way. While the Myers-Briggs theory doesn’t fully focus on the social aspect of introversion vs extraversion, people still overly associate introversion and extraversion with social introversion or extraversion. However, that is not the core factor that is supposed to be distinguishing this dichotomy.

Introversion vs Extraversion: Core Factor

The cognitive functions are the building blocks of the 16 personality types. While it can be simpler seeing the personality types through the lens of the 4 dichotomies (I/E, S/N, T/F, P/J), it’s more accurate focusing on each type’s cognitive functions. So, with that being said, true introversion or extraversion is determined by whether someone is cognitively introverted or extraverted. Cognitive introversion is not the same thing as social introversion. The latter focuses on how much energy someone has for social events or interpersonal interaction, while the former focuses on which cognitive function is the driving force in an individual’s life. In other words, an extravert is someone whose dominant function is extraverted, and an introvert is someone whose dominant function is introverted.

So, What Does It Mean to Be Introverted or Extraverted?

Of course, technically speaking, every extraverted Myers-Briggs type (ENTP, ENFP, ESTP, ESFP, ENFJ, ESFJ, ENTJ, ESTJ) also has a dominant extraverted function. Likewise, every introverted Myers-Briggs type (INTP, INFP, ISTP, ISFP, INFJ, ISFJ, INTJ, ISTJ) also has a dominant introverted function. So, thus far, I haven’t actually defined anything. To define introversion and extraversion accurately, we have to go back to the source: Carl Jung. Bear in mind, that each extraverted type’s extraversion (and likewise for the introverted types) will manifest slightly differently because each cognitive function operates differently. However, there are commonalities between all extraverted or introverted types, which ultimately defines them as such.

Below, I will be sharing quotes from Carl Jung as I discuss this topic. For the record, we have touched on cognitive introversion vs extraversion in various articles throughout this site, but there are two specific articles which focus quite a bit on it: Objectivity vs. Subjectivity and Extraversion in Typology. This article will cover some of the same ground.

Cognitive Extraversion

To define extraversion, Carl Jung focuses on the concept of “objectivity”. Today, we use the word to mean someone who is fair or without bias. However, he uses the word to mean someone who is object-oriented, or focused on things that are external to the mind. So, extraverts are primarily concerned with aligning themselves to the external world, in whatever way comes natural to their dominant function.

For example, the Fe dominants, ENFJs and ESFJs, desire to have their emotions and/or values aligned with those of the external environment. They can achieve this by either changing themselves, or changing the environment, but either way, when they make decisions, that external factor will hold the most weight. This is why, if you’re paying attention, you’ll notice that EXFJs come in two different variants. One will almost always adjust themselves, at the risk of losing their own sense of self, in an effort to adapt. The other leans more assertive and even overbearing in an effort to make everyone else adapt to them.

There is this belief that perceivers are adaptable, while judgers are not. Bear in mind, that while there is a certain truth to that, extraverts are actually quite adaptable, and often mistake themselves as perceivers because of it. Sure, judgers prefer structure and a certain level of planning rather than pure spontaneous action. Nevertheless, it far more natural for an extravert to adapt themselves to the world around them than it is for an introvert. So, in spite of being a judger, an EXXJ may actually appear more adaptable than an IXXP type.

Cognitive Introversion

Naturally, if the extravert is focused on the external, the introvert is the exact opposite, focused on their internal world. I wrote an article a little while back that called out the fact that intuitives are not the only ones that can get detached from reality. Introverts can as well, because many live first and foremost inside their own minds. (See Detached From Reality: Intuitive?) Introverts prioritize subjective factors, which can make their actions seem out of sync with the world around them. While the extravert is responding immediately to external stimuli, the introvert has to filter that stimuli through their dominant function first.

For example, while an ESTP should more eagerly align their internal framework of thoughts and judgements to concrete or observable data, an ISTP may reject a fact or observation because it does not fit in their internal framework. As a result, the ISTP may appear to be rejecting reality because they are unwilling or reluctant to adapt.

I’m sure many of you have heard of the paradox: “What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object?” This comparison is extreme, but it came to mind, so I’m going to roll with it. Basically, in this paradoxical scenario, the extravert would be the unstoppable force, as they dump their energy into the external world. Meanwhile, the introvert would be the immovable object, refusing to budge in reaction to the world around them.

In the previous section, I mentioned that EXXJs may actually appear more adaptable than IXXPs. That is the result of leading with an introverted judging function, which forms the rules for our “identity”. IXXPs are adaptable in the sense that they will fairly readily accept spontaneous situations or new environment, with little need to plan in advance. However, they’ll be reluctant to adjust themselves or their person to fit that new environment.

What If I’m An Ambivert?

If you consider yourself an ambivert, that is a good thing. Jung makes it clear that no healthy person is purely an extravert or an introvert. Those terms merely define someone’s preference. That is also the reason why cognitive functions come in pairs, an introverted one with an extraverted one. You need both to be productive and successful. That’s why loops are unhealthy; anyone in a loop is either overly introverted or overly extraverted.

Of course, when using the term “ambivert”, people mean that they’re socially ambiverted. Once again, that is healthy. We all need some alone time, some time to introspect, and we all need human connection. But, as mentioned earlier, the social aspect is not the primary factor in determining introversion vs extraversion. Although, even if it was, even if you successfully utilize both introversion and extraversion, you still have an overall preference for one or the other.

Introversion vs Extraversion in Myers-Briggs

In the Myers-Briggs theory, introversion and extraversion defines the orientation of someone’s energy. An extravert directs (and receives) their energy outward, while an introvert directs (and receives) their energy inward. That is technically correct, and in sync with Jung’s original theory. Unfortunately, that premise somehow led to the misconception that an introvert regains their energy via alone time, and an extravert via interaction with others. Granted, if your primary function is an introverted one, your less developed, extraverted function would require more effort to use, and thus be more draining. (If the auxiliary is well-developed, it might not be noticeable, though.) However, social interaction is not the only way someone can outlet their extraverted function. Many extraverted types actually mistake themselves for introverts because they’re not people-oriented. (See 7 Reasons ENTJs and ESTJs Mistype as Introverts.)

Traits Associated With Introversion and Extraversion

Now that I’ve dumped a bunch of theory on you, let me actually provide some practical information to help you identify which preference someone has.

Signs of Extraversion

When it comes to extraversion, you’re looking to identify if someone is naturally drawn to, or focused on, the external world. Extraverts need to interact more with the external world. This can make them quick to adapt to their surroundings, or give them a need to constantly be in motion. The person that can never sit still is unlikely to be an introvert. In addition, since extraverts accept external stimuli much more readily, they also react to it more quickly. In other words, frequent impulsive behavior, or being extremely quick to act as a general rule, indicates extraversion. Of course, someone who constantly needs to interact with people is also likely to be an extravert. They may be generally more expressive and communicative than the average introvert. However, don’t forget that an extravert doesn’t always prefer to interact with others.

To give you a few examples, Ne dominants, or ENXPs, may use the internet to actively seek out and entertain new ideas. Se dominants, or ESXPs, may wander the world and explore new places, but spend the majority of their time alone in the process. Fe dominants, or EXFJs, may use movies, fiction, or celebrity drama to get external emotional stimuli. Te dominants, or EXTJs, may find people too frustrating to be around or utilize. Of course, there are many other possibilities beyond the few I’ve listed here.

Signs of Introversion

When it comes to introversion, you’re looking to identify if someone is naturally drawn to, or focused on, their internal world. Introverts need more time to introspect before taking action. This can make them seem more hesitant or cautious. Generally speaking, introverts are more likely to fall prey to inaction and obsessive overthinking or daydreaming. Someone who rarely communicates, rarely interacts with others, and doesn’t impact their external environment in any way is unlikely to be extraverted. (An isolated ENXP may still have an active online life, or experiment with ideas/projects in the privacy of their home.) Introverts may generally come across as more private or contained than the average extravert. They’re also less accepting or open-minded, when it comes to external stimuli, including the external stimuli that they’re tuned in to. (Remember, each cognitive function is tuned into something different.)

For instance, a Te dominant, or EXTJ, will readily recognize the current structure or hierarchy that they find themselves in and quickly start working to adapt to it, to be the most effective they can be. IXTJ, on the other hand, may mentally get stuck on how it ought to be, delaying their ability to accept and adapt. EXTJs more quickly identify and act within the current logical parameters, while the IXTJs first need to fully form a plan or vision for the future.

In Conclusion…

Of course, I could go more specifically into how each cognitive function outlets it’s introversion or extraversion, but this article would get crazy long. I tried my best to make this informative and practical, without diving too far in the weeds. It’s important to remember that there are special scenarios that can make an extravert appear introverted, and vice versa. For instance, any personality type that is stuck in a grip will be primarily leaning on a function that is the opposite of their natural preference. It’ll be an unhealthy state. As we’ve stated many times throughout this site, it’s important to have a “big picture” perspective on your life, so you can identify your true, default preferences.

I hope you found this helpful. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!