Extroversion is a personality trait typically characterized by outgoingness, high energy, and/or talkativeness. In general, the term refers to a state of being where someone “recharges,” or draws energy, from being with other people; the opposite—drawing energy from being alone—is known as introversion .
Signs of Extroversion
Extroversion was first proposed by noted psychiatrist Carl Jung in the 1920s, and extroverts are thought to make up anywhere from half to three-quarters of the American population. People who identify as extroverts tend to search for novel experiences and social connections that allow them to interact with other individuals as much as possible. Someone who is highly extroverted will likely feel bored , or even anxious, when they’re made to spend too much time alone.
Though many psychologists argue that extroversion and introversion exist on a sliding scale, and that very few people are “pure” extroverts, someone’s degree of extroversion is a core factor of their personality and is generally difficult (though not impossible) to modify. True extroverts are often considered “the life of the party,” but they can clash with more introverted types, who may find an extrovert’s energy and enthusiasm overwhelming or difficult to tolerate.
Many people are significantly more extroverted than they are introverted, or vice versa. But a large number of people may be more accurately classified as “ambiverts,” whose personalities are split relatively equally between introverted and extroverted traits .
Not necessarily. While shyness is typically thought to signify introversion, it is possible to be a shy extrovert —that is, someone who draws energy and enjoys being around other people, but gets nervous around strangers or finds it difficult to speak up in a group setting.
Explore More About Extroversion
For a comprehensive understanding of extroversion, read our complete guide: