Do You Know What "Antisocial" Really Means?
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Do You Know What "Antisocial" Really Means?

It doesn't mean that you don't like socializing.

288
Do You Know What "Antisocial" Really Means?
Flickr

"Antisocial" is a word that has been increasingly used by people who consider themselves shy or introverted. What these people don't realize is that contrary to popular belief, being antisocial does not mean that you dislike being social. The dictionary defines being antisocial as someone who is "contrary to the laws and customs of society; devoid of or antagonistic to sociable instincts or practices." Someone who is antisocial is unable to function in society, either by choice or due to a mental illness. They are compulsive liars. They often lack empathy and concern about how others perceive them. They lack a conscience and don't care about the consequences of their actions. They are unpredictable. This type of person could be anyone from a criminal to a hermit, or even what the media has come to label as a sociopath. Antisocial individuals are known to be graffiti artists, vandals, gang members, racists, drug dealers, murderers or abusive parents/spouses among many other types of societal miscreants.

Many individuals who display antisocial behavior beyond the age of 18 get diagnosed with Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD). The most unsettling thing about people with ASPD is that between their negative thoughts and acts, they can act very admirably. You could go your whole life knowing someone who secretly has ASPD, believing that they are a wonderful role model and blissfully unaware of how they act when others aren't around. Sometimes this disorder emerges from a history of childhood neglect or abuse. Other times, the cause behind its development is unknown. Treatment such as medication and therapy can be beneficial in decreasing aggressive behavior but unfortunately, ASPD is incurable. People with ASPD are known to be verbally, emotionally, physically, and sexually abusive. Most are known to kill animals during their youth, and in the worst cases, some eventually even kill people.

The word that people are searching for when referring to their introverted tendencies is "asocial." The dictionary defines asocial as "avoiding social interaction". Rather than going against society, the word asocial puts an emphasis on the preference of avoiding social situations. These are the shy introverts of the world, not the cold aggressive criminals. It would be wise not to refer to your shy friend with the same word that a psychologist would use to describe a serial killer. Asocial people are the people who would much rather curl up to read a good book than spend the night out at a wild party. These are the people who would much rather watch a movie in the comfort of their own home than have to interact with others to see it at a movie theater. In the worst cases, these people fear ever leaving their homes. In more common cases, they simply prefer alone time to being social. Any introvert could easily identify with the word asocial. Antisocial and asocial are two very different words. Although it is possible to use them interchangeably in some situations, antisocial is more often associated with sociopathy whereas asocial typically just refers to introversion. Just keep this in mind next time you're ranting about how much you hate talking to other people.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

38117
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

113709
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments