Introverts and Extroverts in Social Media
Exploring How Interaction Style Impacts Success in Online Networking
May 20, 2009
Extroverts have a distinct advantage in networking. They derive their energy from being around others which means they are comfortable entering situations where they don't know other people. They are comfortable entering a room and meeting strangers. They enjoy the thought of getting to know someone and experience greater success because of this.
Social networking, however, is a different animal. Despite the social elements of this pursuit, it is a solitary activity done from the privacy of one's personal computer. In this environment, introverts have the chance to wear their favorite t-shirt, curl up in a comfortable chair and meet the people they want to meet.
Introverts vs. Extroverts In Life
By their very nature these two groups seem destined for conflict. It is impossible for a pure extrovert to understand how unpleasant social situations can be to a true introvert. And it is impossible for an introvert to relate to the enjoyment that extroverts get from meeting new people in social environments. Rather than accepting their differences, each group seems to be of the opinion that the other is wrong.
Where introverts renew their energy, find comfort and solve problems by looking inward, extroverts want to talk out their problems and get a charge from being with others. Introverts feel satisfied with their own thoughts and imagination while extroverts seek excitement and connection, appearing to other to be outgoing and assertive.
Introverts vs. Extroverts in Social Media
Connecting online is a solitary activity. It requires little more than a computer and a desire to publish one's thoughts on a blog or other platform. Facebook, Twitter and other sites like these encourage users to post their thoughts and activities. While these activities may seem social in nature, they are actually quite the opposite.
Traditional introverts seem to have an advantage on the internet because of their lack of need for feedback from others. They are willing to take the time to share their thoughts on paper. Bloggers, like journalists, are independent introverts. They reach inward and let others connect to their message.
Successful Social Media Strategies
Experts assert that successful social media strategies require a connection between the blogger and his or her followers. If this is true, introverts have the upper hand in this arena. Where extroverts may be the life of the party, introverts reveal their thoughts for the purpose of personal satisfaction. Those that do so consistently over time have a greater chance of creating a following online than the extrovert who flits from topic to topic.
As introverts create content, they can dominate a niche. Their following will expand with our without their efforts because of the viral nature of the internet and the fact that like attracts like. At the end of the day, an introvert may end up with hundreds of thousands of followers while the extroverts lose interest in the unsocial aspects of social media and revert to seeing people face-to-face.
Society is caught up in labels. Tall, short, happy, sad, Irish, Italian, funny, quiet; these labels define people and categorize behaviors and habits. Does it matter if a person is an introvert or an extrovert? Not really. Can an introvert become the life of the party while an extrovert runs a successful blog? Yes.
At the end of the day, what really matters is that each person has an understanding of their goals and the forces that drive them and acts according to their beliefs and purpose.
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