Extraversion and introversion

Characteristics of introversion and extraversion. These exist along a spectrum.

Introversion and extraversion are parts of personality.

Carl Jung proposed this concept in the 1920s. According to the theory, introverts get energy from inside themselves (for example, from ideas and concepts in their own minds). Extroverts get energy from outside of themselves (by interacting with other people). The theory says that everyone has some introversion and some extroversion in them, although one usually dominates over another.

There are many false ideas about introversion and extroversion, like the belief that all introverts are shy, antisocial and unemotional.

At one time, researchers thought that almost three quarters of the people in the United States were extroverts. In more modern times, however, researchers have found that there are almost as many introverts as extroverts in the country. Interestingly, the prevalence of both types varies from country to country. Certain nations, like Scandinavian countries and Japan, favour introversion. Others (most notably the United States) favour extroversion.