For decades, scientists have tried to explain the difference between those of us who like to be around people and those who avoid it in every possible way. In recent decades, the situation has cleared up a little - it became known that the brain works differently for extroverts and introverts. An important conclusion follows from this - you will not be able to transform yourself from an introvert into an extrovert and vice versa. That is, no matter how many books by Dale Carnegie about how to make friends are read by introverts, nothing good will come of it. And if suddenly it works out, then health problems will not take long.
Dopamine effect
If instead of going to a party where all your acquaintances and friends gather, you stay at home reading your favorite book or watching a TV series, the first thing to understand is that you are all right. And if you are an extrovert, then stop inviting your introverted friends to such events. They don't really feel good there. And the brain is to blame for this.
One of the main differences between introverted and extroverted brains is how we respond to the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical released in the brain that provides motivation for external benefits, such as making money, climbing the ladder, hiring a helper, or being selected for high-profile projects at work. When dopamine floods the brain, both introverts and extroverts become more talkative, alert, and willing to explore their surroundings. But why, then, do introverts prefer solitude?
Not everyone likes to constantly receive external incentives.
This is not to say that introverts have less dopamine in their brains than extroverts. In fact, both introverts and extroverts have the same amount of dopamine. The difference lies in the activity of the dopamine reward chain. For extroverts, the noise and crowd at a concert isn't just part of the fun. In fact, these external stimuli serve as a signal to them that they are achieving their goal of rewards for communication and a fun night out. Introverts, on the other hand, feel uncomfortable with the brain's use of another neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. Like dopamine, acetylcholine is associated with pleasure. The difference is that acetylcholine helps us relax.
Introverts feel anxious about their dopamine release, so they try to retire. Solitude gives introverts a sense of relaxation as acetylcholine begins to be produced in their bodies. And extroverts are more sensitive to dopamine than acetylcholine. That is why they need a lot of external stimulation.
Promotional video:
Why are there so few introverts?
If you look closely at modern society, it becomes obvious that the world belongs to extroverts. At school and university, as well as at work, people around you evaluate your communication skills. Try not to come to the next corporate party, as your boss will immediately call you with questions about why you do not want to communicate with colleagues. And no matter how much you explain about the differences in the reward system, you are still strongly recommended to join the general fun. The team is the same.
According to UN estimates, by 2030 companies will hire university graduates based on their ability to communicate with others. And only secondarily, the employer will pay attention to the possession of professional skills. But the general level of education will interest them last.
Solitude and self-acceptance - the key to being an introvert.
Considering all of the above, scientists advise introverts to accept themselves. Attempts to transform yourself from an introvert into an extrovert overload the nervous system, as a result of which various diseases can arise. We cannot change those around us, but we can change our attitude towards ourselves. Understanding your personality and accepting it is the key to introverted health and a happy life.
And extroverts should treat their introverted friends, colleagues, and family with understanding. Not all of us enjoy long-term communication or being with other people. You need to let introverts be who they are - solitary thinkers, mathematicians, astrophysicists, writers. In the end, they make our world more beautiful.
