The battle for supremacy between introverts and extroverts has been going on for a long time, and it never fails to divide opinions. Each side believes in superiority over the other and usually makes convincing arguments to support their claim.
Introverts point out that, unlike extroverts, they are independent and do not need external validation. Extroverts also argue that they are more likable and better at expressing themselves.
Introverts may be at a disadvantage when we factor in public perception. In a world where people place extroverted traits on a pedestal and misconstrue introverted traits, you could be forgiven for believing you had to fit into the extroverted personality type to make a difference. People often see extroverted characteristics as key to becoming a leader or succeeding in your field.
Several studies have debunked many myths surrounding introversion and extroversion, providing further insight into how each trait contributes uniquely to various contexts. So, is there truth to the popular belief that extroverts are inherently better than introverts? Or are introverts the better personality to have?
In order to make a verdict between introversion and extroversion, we looked at a wide range of factors, including:
- Differences in introversion and extroversion traits in social situations
- Impact of introversion and extroversion on self-esteem and depression
- Communication and leadership style of introvert and extrovert people
- Learning style and work preferences of people with introverte and extrovert personalities
And a whole lot more.
But before we get to the verdict, let’s address the definition of extroverts and introverts, the differences, what each trait does better than the other, and the personality tests you can take to know whether you lean toward introversion or extroversion.
As you read along, keep in mind that most of us have a mix of both introversion and extroversion within us — the pure, 100% introvert and extrovert is actually quite rare.
There are also cultural differences in how these traits present themselves in social gatherings. For example, extroverted women may be "expected" to remain quiet in some countries, even though it goes against who they are inside. For them, alone time with a small group of other women is their time to let it all out.
What Is an Introvert?
When people hear “introvert,” they immediately think of terms like shyness, social awkwardness, anxious introverts, aloofness, etc. Most of these tags are more myths than facts. Just because your colleague is shy doesn’t mean he is an introvert. Perhaps he is just that – shy. If you are unsure whether you’re an introvert or just shy, you should take our test to tell the difference.
Renowned psychologist Carl Jung defined introverts as people who draw their energy from spending time alone. Being around others for too long drains their "emotional power," and they usually need alone time to recharge.
Despite common misconceptions, introverts can socialize, too. But they enjoy it better when doing it with the right people with common interests. Even if all these conditions are met, they still need to recharge by being alone afterward.
5 Things Introverts Do Better Than Extroverts
As an introvert, you understand the pressure that comes with being misunderstood. People often think you are cold and unfriendly just because you do not put yourself out there like extroverts. Even some of your colleagues who used to defend you are starting to turn against you because you’ve made far too many excuses to avoid attending their parties. Your parents always ask you to go out more often and make new friends like your extroverted cousin.
Public perception may make you think that introverts have no desirable traits. But here are five things introverts do better than extroverts.
1. Introverts Are Better Listeners
There is nothing like having an introvert listen to you when you need to vent. Introverts are excellent listeners. Compared to extroverts, they only interrupt you if the conversation is long. They will listen patiently and allow you to say everything you need without trying to make the conversation about them.
This is not to say that extroverts can’t be great listeners; it’s just that their natural tendency makes it harder for them not to jump right in.
2. Introverts Have Deep and Meaningful Conversations
Introverts dislike small talk but love having deep conversations. They are almost indistinguishable from extroverts when they want to discuss a topic they love. You will understand if you've ever attended a book club, comic book convention, or an art show.
3. Introverts Tend to Look Inward for Happiness
One of the perks of spending so much time alone and loving your own company is that you do not actively seek external validation. Extroverts need others to be happy and often depend on them to solve problems, reenergize, or make decisions. Introverts can do all these on their own and find happiness within themselves.
4. Introverts Are Better at Reading Emotions
Introverts spend so much time listening that they notice things that are left unsaid. They are so used to taking in information that their ears don’t just hear what you say; they notice the tone of your voice. Their eyes also observe your body language and facial expressions and can tell when something is wrong with you before you speak.
5. Introverts Can Keep Secrets
When you tell introverts your secret, you can expect them to carry it to the grave (there are, of course, exceptions!). As private individuals who keep their own feelings to themselves, introverts understand the need to respect people’s privacy. Extroverts may find it harder to keep secrets because they talk a lot and enjoy sharing intimate details with others.
What Is an Extrovert?
People often use words like “social butterflies,” “party animals,” “outgoing,” “energetic,” “confident,” “gregarious,” and “charismatic” to describe extroverts. These words may highlight some of the extrovert’s key traits, but they do not always accurately describe who an extrovert is.
Extroverts draw their energy from being around people, interacting with them and the world around them. They prefer social interactions and engagement with the outside world. They usually love being in the spotlight and are always ready to experience new adventures.
5 Things Extroverts Do Better Than Introverts
Popular opinion may make you think extroverts are better at almost everything than introverts. But you would be surprised to learn how many of those statements are untrue. It doesn’t mean that the tables have turned, though.
Both introverts and extroverts have unique qualities that make them better at certain roles. And despite introverts’ admirable qualities, there are still several things that extroverts do better or are better at. Here are five of those things.
1. Extroverts Are Better at Public Speaking
Extroverts find it easy to express themselves when addressing a small group or a large crowd. Unlike introverts, they can express their thoughts, feelings, and opinions in front of anyone. Their confidence and ability to put their thoughts into words and convince people make them great public speakers.
It is important to note that effective communication and public speaking are skills, and being extroverted doesn’t guarantee your ability to command a stage (it just may give you a leg up in being unafraid to try). There are countless introverts who are great public speakers; they’ve simply learned to overcome their natural tendency to withdraw from speaking in front of large groups.
2. Extroverts Get Along With Everyone
If you observe how extroverts interact with strangers, you will think they were childhood friends. Extroverts socialize with as many people as possible to widen their social circle. They love small talk and can start a conversation with anyone over the most mundane things. Their receptive nature makes people adore them.
3. Extroverts Tend to Be More Optimistic
Extroverts prefer looking at the positive side of things no matter how dire the situation appears. They don't obsess over what went wrong but instead choose to find the silver lining. Research shows that their optimism makes them the happier personality type, and they are less prone to depression.
4. Extroverts Are Better at Team Collaboration
Unlike introverts who prefer to work alone, extroverts tend to prefer working in a team where they can collaborate, brainstorm ideas, and solve problems. Extroverts tend to uplift team spirits, promote open communication among team members, and encourage team cohesion. Many extroverts prefer larger groups over small group projects because there are more people to interact with.
5. Extroverts Are Friendly and Approachable
Extroverts tend to make friends easily because they are genuinely excited about hanging out with others. They receive the same energy they give out, so when people notice that extroverts are kind and welcoming to everyone, they warm up to them.
Related: Extraversion Vs. Introversion Relationship Styles: Are They Compatible? [free Member’s Article]
Key Differences Between Introverts and Extroverts
Introverts and extroverts differ in many things, including their preferences, behaviors, and social interactions with the world. But the most significant difference is probably in the way they reenergize. While extroverts are comfortable in social settings and often feel recharged when they spend time with others, introverts prefer to spend time alone or with a few of their closest friends.
Let’s compare the key differences between these two personality traits.
Introvert vs. Extrovert: How Do They Spend Their Time?
An introvert’s idea of fun may include watching movies at home, reading books in bed, playing indoor games with their close friends, etc. Introverts feel energized when they get their “alone time.” Too much social interaction drains their energy.
Extroverts recharge by spending time around people. They love going out, having fun, attending events and social gatherings, playing outdoor games, etc. Spending too much time alone usually drains their energy.
Introvert vs. Extrovert: What Are Their Social Preferences?
Introverts aren’t anti-social; they are just very selective about who they hang out with. They don’t mind hanging out with one or two close friends and having deep, meaningful conversations. But they feel drained after interacting with too many people for a long time. Introverts probably have a list of excuses to help them turn down invitations to social gatherings.
Extroverts don't just enjoy socializing; they draw their energy from it. You often see extroverted people having fun and socializing with others, while introverts appear nervous and ready to skip out of the party as soon as possible.
Introvert vs. Extrovert: How Do They Make and Keep Friends?
If friendship were a game of numbers, extroverts would win hands down. They love going out, meeting new people, and interacting with them. However, because they have such a wide circle of friends, it is often difficult to maintain that friendship. Most of the people they meet remain acquaintances and almost never progress into a relationship of real substance.
Introverted people have limited social energy, so they reserve it for those they care about. They usually prioritize quality over quantity, so while they may have few friends, their friendship bond is stronger than that of extroverts. They may not make friends easily, but when they do, they devote themselves to building a solid and committed relationship where each person feels valued and loved.
Introvert vs. Extrovert: How Well Do They Communicate?
Introverts are often less adept at expressing themselves verbally than extroverts, even though they usually have more valuable things to say. Introverts think carefully and observe naturally before acting but may be reluctant to express their feelings or opinions, especially when dealing with many people at once. They are more comfortable writing or texting instead of speaking. Introverts are great listeners, but they don't speak often enough.
Extroverts have the skills to be great communicators, but they may need to hone them to make their communication more effective. The quality of an extrovert’s conversation usually pales compared to quantity because they express themselves freely without giving it much thought. Also, extroverts may need to improve their listening skills so conversations don’t feel one-sided.
Introvert vs. Extrovert: What Is Their Leadership Style?
Although the running stereotype might peg extroverts as ideal leaders, introverts also make excellent leaders. A study showed that introverts perform better than extroverts when leading a group of proactive workers, while extroverts perform better when leading a group of passive workers.
Introverts possess desired leadership traits like careful planning, decision-making, patience, calmness, etc. Additionally, their tendency to listen more than speak allows them to welcome ideas from their subordinates and make them feel valued. They prefer dealing with their associates one-on-one and engaging in deep, meaningful conversations instead of addressing them all as a group.
Extroverts know how to lift the whole team’s morale and inspire confidence in the workers. Their leadership style usually promotes a collaborative environment where the workers work together and build connections. They possess leadership traits like confidence, assertiveness, and charisma, which allow them to inspire their workers and rally their support.
Learn more about the communication and leadership styles of extroverts and introverts [free Member’s Article].
Introvert vs. Extrovert: What Is Their Preferred Work Environment?
Introverts tend to favor work environments with limited social interaction and deliver their best work when they can work independently without constant interference. They rarely contribute during team meetings unless they have something critical to add. Much like shy people, introverts prefer to share their ideas within small groups.
Extroverts are the direct opposite, and their preferred work environment reflects that. They want to work in a place where co-workers collaborate regularly. Extroverts always try to engage their co-workers and are genuinely interested in building a rapport that would extend outside the workplace. Whenever morale is down, they will do their best to cheer everyone up and encourage optimism in the workplace.
Introvert vs. Extrovert: What Are Their Career Prospects?
There is no shortage of career options for introverts and extroverts, as all personality types can excel in any given career if they put their mind to it.
Introverts typically excel in research-focused roles because of their critical thinking. Jobs in this field may include scientific research, academic research, and data analysis. Additionally, their introspective nature makes them great fits for writing, editing, and content creation, as they can churn out insightful content that readers find awe-inspiring. They can also do well in roles prioritizing attention to detail, like accounting and financial analysis.
Extroverts thrive in customer-facing roles like customer service representatives because they are great with people. They can also excel in sales and marketing because they know how to network and convince people to buy their products.
Their communication skills and experience commanding a public audience make them a shoo-in for public relations and media interaction jobs. Their charisma, social confidence, and love for the spotlight may also help them perform excellently as actors, singers, dancers, etc.
Want to know your best career based on how you score on the extraversion-introversion scale? Check out this article or take our premium career test.
Introvert vs. Extrovert: What Is Their Preferred Learning Style?
Introverts concentrate better and listen attentively but may not actively participate in classrooms. They are usually well suited to lecture halls where they are mainly required to listen and read. Extroverts are active learners. They enjoy interactive classrooms and group discussions.
Introverts and extroverts process information differently. Introverts prefer to reflect internally before engaging in verbal exchanges if necessary. Extroverts process information by talking about it with others. While introverts prefer reading and learning alone or in a controlled group of familiar faces, extroverts love collaborating with others.
Learn more about how Extraversion and Introversion impact learning [free Member’s Article].
Introvert vs. Extrovert: How Do They Make Decisions?
We live in a fast-paced world and must make hundreds of decisions daily. Do you prioritize accuracy or speed while making decisions? Both have their perks — while the former takes precedence when making important decisions, the latter may be favored when dealing with urgent tasks.
Introverted people tend to make better decisions because they prioritize accuracy. However, they may struggle to adapt to a fast-paced business world where employees must think on their feet. Introverts are great thinkers. They are more inclined to think deeply and process the available information before deciding. Their decision-making process is excellent, but they may overthink situations sometimes and delay decisions that are supposed to be straightforward.
Extroverted people prioritize speed even when the task isn't urgent. They often make snappy decisions due to impatience, thinking less, and acting fast. Introverts are intuitive. They make most of their choices by reflecting internally and are less prone to impulsiveness.
A study showed that about 64% of extroverts hold off making important decisions because they are required to think deeply about them. The study also showed that 68% of extroverts need someone to put them on the right track when making decisions.
Personality Tests: How Do I Know If I’m an Introvert or Extrovert?
Although there are signs to watch out for to know if you're an introvert or an extrovert, you can only be sure if you take a test. When everyone saw personality types as an either-or model, you could easily predict your personality based on how you recharge and whether you love interacting with others. Now that things are not so black and white, the margin for error is minimal.
In the past, you could predict which “personality box” you fit in by reflecting on how you feel after spending time with others compared to when you’re alone and how comfortable you are in social situations.
Now that other personality types like ambiverts and omniverts have emerged between introverts and extroverts, the difference may not be as clear-cut. Ambiverts are so adaptable that you can’t tell the difference when you see them out and about at social events or at work. Depending upon their mood, omniverts prefer solitude or small, intimate gatherings just as much as introverts. At other times, they will crave the external stimulation of large groups and feel energized by social events, just like extroverted people do.
Then we have people who fall just a little bit off dead center on the introvert-extrovert spectrum — the introverted extroverts (the extroverted person with some introverted tendencies) and the social introverts (the introverted person with some extroverted tendencies).
Taking personality tests to determine your type accurately is now more important than ever.
We recommend the two most popular personality tests – the Big Five and the MBTI (Myers Briggs Type Indicator).
The MBTI personality test contains a series of questions to help assess your preferences along four categories, one of which is “Introversion versus Extroversion.” After you answer the questions, the MBTI test uses your responses to determine whether you lean toward extraversion or introversion. This information will be combined with your scores on the other three traits to assign you one of 16 personality types.
You should know that while the MBTI is quite popular, not all psychologists and researchers accept it as a proper scientific test. However, scientists believe that its counterpart, the Big Five Personality Test, is the most scientifically accurate personality test.
Unlike the MBTI, which looks at introverted and extroverted personality types in conjunction with other traits, the Big Five personality traits are looked at independently. As such, the five-factor model is a reliable test to help determine where you fall on the introversion and extroversion personality spectrum.
How Vulnerable Are Introverts and Extroverts to Burnout and Depression?
Since introverts reenergize by withdrawing from people and spending time alone, it is common for people to think they are depressed because withdrawal from others is one of the signs of depression.
Some symptoms of depression, like isolation and social withdrawal, may align with an introvert’s natural tendencies, but introversion does not cause depression. One is a personality trait, and the other is a serious mental health condition.
Research, however, shows that introverts are more prone to depression than extroverts, perhaps due to society constantly pressuring them to act more extroverted or because they keep to themselves when sharing their problems or seeking professional help may get them out of a jam. People differ in how they handle stress, and this can often be due to their personality.
Extroverts might be vulnerable to some types of burnout because they can be guilty of excessive socializing, reluctance to say no to others, and a constant need for external validation. Luckily, extroverts are not shy about asking for help when they realize they need it. Recognizing the early signs of burnout and seeking help will prevent burnout from escalating.
It's important to know that burnout and depression are not exclusive to a particular personality. Anybody can suffer from either or both. And most times, treatment is more successful when you diagnose the problem before it becomes chronic.
If you have concerns about your mental health, our depression and burnout tests can help you determine if you suffer from either.
The Verdict: Are Extroverts Better Than Introverts?
In today's increasingly diverse environment, no trait has an inherent superiority over the other.
Both introverts and extroverts have unique strengths and qualities that make them the best fit in various contexts and social settings. Rather than seeing it as a competition, people should recognize that both personality traits serve different but equally beneficial purposes in the grand scheme.
Both traits differ in how they communicate, approach and solve problems, make decisions, learn, etc. Celebrating individual differences and promoting understanding between both can improve teamwork and productivity.
If you lead a team of introverts and extroverts, you shouldn't favor one trait while neglecting the other. Recognize and play to each group's strengths. Doing that is vital to unleashing each member's potential and ensuring the whole team's success.
Perhaps more important than asking whether one personality type is better than the other, we should instead be asking about emotional intelligence — something which both introverts and extroverts can be either high or low in!
