Extroverted Introverts. The ultimate Oxymoron, and then some.

It sounds superfluous – like “fried ice cream” or “home affairs working hours” – a combination of words which shouldn’t work together but, strangely, kind of make sense. Simply put, an extroverted introvert is someone who has traits of both personalities, but interchange according to circumstances and situation. For context:

The website “Introvert, dear” summarises it quite well (read the full piece here), but the short version is when:

  • Your energy level is closely tied to your environment.
  • You find people both intriguing, and exhausting.
  • Certain people and interactions drain you, while others energise you.
  • You can be charming but also deeply introspective and reflective.
  • When you feel rested and recharged, you’re the one who reaches out to others.
  • You need time to warm up in social situations.
  • It takes less energy to speak your mind than to make small talk.
  • You’re selectively social.
  • You have no interest in proving yourself in a crowd of strangers.
  • You’re often mistaken for an introvert.

 

(Again, read the full piece here)

EI’s usually recharge through solitude, yet also enjoy socialising (but in small doses, and controlled environments – and definitely not for long periods).

So, you ask, what in the Bloomingdales does any of this have to do with Vox, the Internet, and life in general? Well, today we’ll unpack how our interconnected web of connectivity offers the perfect blend for this most unique blend of personality traits.

  1. It’s cure(ate)able:

EI’s do enjoy connecting with others, but generally find large gatherings/unstructured environments overwhelming. Because of Algorithms, Feeds, Interaction History and the option to block/unfollow, your feed can be carefully curated to tailor interactions exactly to your liking. This gives users the option to engage in bite-sized moments rather than draining face-to-face encounters, the ability to engage on your terms and to even step away entirely should they desire (easier said than done on TikTok, to be fair). Such an advanced level of control works perfectly when seeking a balance between ‘human’ interaction and solitude – perfectly up our alley, in other words.

  1. What’s in a Niche?

If you’re like us, you thrive in smaller and more focused social settings – especially those with a purpose and topics around shared interests (nothing worse than “what’s up”, right?) The beauty of the Internet is that it’s a place for everyone, with no niche exceptions. Be it a Reddit subgroup or a forum for Harry Potter lovers in their thirties (guilty), you can deep dive into a rabbit hole of discussions which resonate with your preferred interests. Such spaces provide just the right amount of interaction plus a clearly defined parameter, tailored to your specific interests and passions.

  1. Nom, De Plume:

Sometimes, we just want to engage without all the hassle that comes with it – it’s a lot of pressure being “on” all the time. Whilst it can be a double-edged sword (admittedly), online platforms do offer a veil of potential anonymity – allowing you to interact without fear of being judged or ridiculed later. This can be quite liberating if you’re someone who wants to share their thoughts yet still avoid the spotlight.

  1. Give me a Break:

Between Teams, Outlook, WhatsApp, and Social Media, there’s a lot of real-time events requiring real-time responses. It can be draining being expected to *think* on demand and always on hand.  With the Internet, EI’s can engage in meaningful interactions at their own pace – giving them time to think, reflect, and respond without emotion or at their own pace.

  1. Live life on your own terms:

Whether communicating expressively (without overexposure) or attending virtual events from the comfort of your home (who says you can’t rock a formal shirt with sloffies?), there’s a platform to engage and step away at your own pace, on your own terms. This in turn allows the EA’s of the world to hand pick when, how, and if they engage with others – something the forcible grind of in-person interaction has long fallen short on.

Long story short, the Internet has become a powerful tool for those who are introverted, yet have slightly extroverted tendencies. By allowing for tailored experiences which satisfy the dual needs for privacy and connection, there’s truly a space for everyone. Rest assured that no matter how nuanced your personality type, you’ll easily find a home online – and that’s the beauty of being connected.