My new theory, triggered by yet another post about introverts in my news feed, is that Facebook (FB) is dominated by introverts. And that all those little-used and abandoned social media accounts belong to extroverts who can’t be bothered with sitting alone in front of a computer, and who would rather be out having face-to-face conversations and participating in group activities.
I posed this theory on FB to see what my friends had to say. There were a few who replied that they were, indeed, extroverts who appreciate any and all social outlets, but they really only seemed to be the exceptions that prove the rule. As one introverted friend observed, “I know some people I consider extroverts who post fairly regularly – usually about the extroverted things they’re doing!”
Additional comments:
FB is less scary than being out in public. (Not that introverts are necessarily shy.)
I do most of my socializing on FB. I don’t even like talking on the phone.
Though I can enjoy being with others, that’s almost never a recharging experience for me.
I agree that FB has been a godsend to this introvert.
As a true introvert, I do find that I “hide” behind my computer, and FB is a good way to reach out to people. Great for marketing, too.
I’m so grateful for the recent flood of supportive materials regarding introversion. I feel relieved and free and without the need to feel guilty for simply being myself.
And my personal favorite:
I think you have uncovered the key to life, the universe, and all knowledge.
I find it amusing when someone (an extrovert) sees me in person and exclaims, “I haven’t seen you in ages!” which may be true, technically speaking, but…are they really forgetting our frequent online interactions? Do those not count somehow? To me those exchanges are as real as in-person time. And a whole lot easier.
Another thing people (extroverts?) say is that FB has caused a decrease in good old fashioned face-to-face social interaction. I disagree. If I am home on a Saturday night chatting online with FB friends, I can guarantee you that the alternative is not to go out partying. The alternative is to read a good book…alone. I feel MUCH MORE sociable since the advent of social media and, on occasion, have even been known to get together IN PERSON with someone I’ve gotten to know better online. But only for an hour or two. And then I need a nap!
What do YOU think?
Hazel Thornton is a professional organizer and genealogist based in Albuquerque, New Mexico; creator of The Clutter Flow Chart Collection; and author of Go with the Flow! The Clutter-Clearing Tool Kit for an Organized Life. Visit her online at www.org4life.com.
