Introverts vs. Extroverts

The world is full of all types of people. Most notably, we put these people into two groups: introverts and extroverts. 

According to myersbriggs.org, extroversion is the term used to describe that extroverts get their energy from interaction with people and are drained when they are not around people for long periods of time. Introversion is used to describe that introverts get their energy from being by themselves for long periods of time and are drained when they have to be around people a whole lot. 

Junior JJ Wilson is a student within the school who is extroverted. He is outgoing and likes to be active a lot.

On the weekends I used to hangout with friends all the time, stay up late, be around each other 24/7,” said Wilson. 

Senior Rebecca Lewis is another student in Southeast Polk who is more introverted. She keeps to herself most the time and likes to stay indoors.

I like doing personal activities at home or on the go like drawing, writing, reading, and playing video games,” said Lewis.

Introverts and extroverts both handle life in different ways. According to social studies teacher Matthew Parker, the way that introverts and extroverts function is the complete opposite. 

“Introverts get their batteries drained by being around people and get recharged by some quiet/alone time. Extraverts get their batteries drained by being alone/isolated and get recharged by being around people,” said Parker.

Another notable difference is in how introverts and extroverts make friends. While an extrovert will just simply go up and talk to someone, an introvert will wait for someone to approach them instead.

“I either get ‘adopted’ into friend groups or make online friends through video games + shared interests,” said Lewis.

What may be surprising to some is that this personality can most certainly be inherited from parents. According to Parker almost 50% of peoples personalities can come from our parents. Parker also says that introverts can be better leaders than extroverts. 

“I read an article years ago saying that introverts tend to be better leaders than extroverts–they did research on military leaders and CEO’s that showed introverts tend to be better leaders because they understand other people better because introverts tend to be the observers and thinkers, instead of the extroverts who are more the emoters/actors/impulsive type,” said Parker.