Introvert: a reserved or shy person
Antisocial: hostile or harmful to organized society; especially : being or marked by behavior deviating sharply from the social norm
These two definitions were taken directly from Webster’s dictionary. Neither are my own words so neither are an opinion. Webster people are pretty serious.
Many times these two words are used to replace each other and looked at as easily interchangeable. Heads up, there not. And Mr. Webster proves it.
To put it simply, an introvert isn’t likely to need big things to happen to feel content. In fact, in an article titled 6 Illustrations That Show What It’s Like in an Introvert’s Head, it says that an introvert’s satisfaction and energy can simply come from reading a book and thinking more deeply comes from less of a need of dopamine. We don’t need to feel the need for a great amount of stimulation to make us feel awake or alert- basically we need less excitement. In this way, parties aren’t as thrilling as a night in with friends watching a movie or a lack of fomo when choosing to have a “me” night rather than hit the frats. Staying in or keeping to ourselves is not meant to be rude or to put a sign over our heads that screams stay away- and if it bothers you, tell us. Because our lack of talking actually makes it easy to hear more and we do here when you consider us antisocial.
Antisocial personality is an actual mental disorder; being introverted is not a disorder. There is nothing different or weirder about us than the extroverts. We know we’re quiet, we’re not always angry or upset about something, and we actually do have some things to say. But, it’s easy to get lost in the conversation. In order to get a response, we interact with the stimulous which then triggers our long term memory. Strategic planning of what we know, what we can find in our heads and how we word it goes into what comes out of our mouths.
A great article, The Science Behind Why It Can Be Hard For Introverts To Put Their Thoughts Into Words, explains the longterm memory science and has great comments at the bottom saying that people should make “recalculating” or “processing” t-shirts. "Recalculating" for when the topic we finally have a solid comment for switches to something different and "processing" to let people know not to change the conversation and that we have something to say.
Fun fact, we actually have a lot to say. With the lack of focusing on keeping conversations, there’s so much to think about. As Stephen Hawking said, “The quietist people have the loudest minds.” There are some serious observation skills that introverts pick up. There’s a lot of things people don’t think we know. This can include random peoples’ names in classes and even who fell down the stairs on Saturday night.
Another definition:
Antisocial: contrary to the laws and customs of society; devoid of or antagonistic to sociable instincts or practices. Not sociable; not wanting the company of others.
Now, we follow the rules… Everyone knows 65mph really means 80 and no one thinks it’s fair that we’re pretty much the only country that doesn’t let people under 21 drink so calm down. None of us are sitting in the corner plotting pranks on people at parties and company is encouraged.
Moral of the story, these are two completely different social groups. Introverts can enjoy talking, are aware that it doesn’t happen as often as others or as you might like, are not delicate, and can have some interesting conversations. There shouldn’t be a target or a sign that says “Can’t talk, won’t talk” over us. We can be more interesting than you might think.
