Source: Buoy Health Much like with introversion, social anxiety is something that receives a lot of stigma and misconceptions, doubtless because people with either of these are not conforming to certain standards and expectations of society. An important part of this is the definitions getting mixed up, because while of course both social anxiety and introversion may share a few things in common, such as not wanting to participate in certain social situations or contexts, they are very much two separate things. Social Anxiety is a mental health condition that involves a fear or discomfort of certain social situations, while Introversion is a personality trait that involves preferring solitude to the company of many people, and gains more energy from the inner-world of thoughts and feelings as opposed to the outer-world of other people. Introversion is not a fear or phobia, but rather a natural trait, preference and lifestyle of solitude or smaller groups to the company of many pe...
Source: VeryWellMind In Western Society, especially in American culture but also the UK (which let’s face it is often attempts to emulate American culture) introverts are seen as being “a concern” and “a problem”, while extroverts are often held in high esteem, with an extrovert being seen as the “ideal” and “default” way to be, and that extroverts can indeed be more successful socially and professionally. Introverts are seen as being “not social enough” and “too reclusive” among many other negative traits. Even when you google the definition of an introvert, the first thing that comes up in Google is “a shy and reticent person”, although the real definition is “an individual who has a preference for the inner world of thoughts and feelings as opposed to the outer world of socialising with other people” ( Psychology Today , N.D). I have to be honest, the many misconceptions about introversion have often exasperated me to no end, because of just how inaccurate and misinformed ...