What It's Like To Be An Introvert

RedRobin
What It's Like To Be An Introvert

Introverts have a longer neural pathway for processing stimuli. Information runs through a pathway that is associated with long term memory and planning. In other words, it’s more difficult for introverts to process interactions and events. As they process information, introverts are carefully attending to their internal thoughts and feelings at the same time.

Introverts require less stimulation from the world in order to be awake and alert than extroverts do. This means introverts are more easily over-stimulated.


On the flip side of introverts’ sensitivity to dopamine means that they need less of it to feel happy. Extroverts’ brains run on an energy-spending nervous system, while introverts’ brains run on an energy-conserving nervous system. This is why introverts feel content and energized when reading a book, thinking deeply, or diving into their rich inner world of ideas.

What It's Like To Be An Introvert
Introverts’ brains aren’t as strongly rewarded for taking risks as extroverts’ brains are. The brain’s reward and pleasure system is activated by dopamine neurotransmitters. Extroverts’ brains tend to respond with more pleasure to positive gambling results. In other words, introverts feel less excitement from surprise or risk.


The introvert’s brain almost always treats interactions with people at the same intensity level that it treats encounters with inanimate objects. Introverts process everything in their surroundings and pay attention to all the sensory details in the environment, not just the people.

What It's Like To Be An Introvert

Introverts reach back into long-term memory to locate information as they think. An introvert will often compare old and new experiences when making decisions, which slows the processing down but leads to carefully thought-out decisions. This means that introverts have an active dialogue with themselves and usually walk around with many thoughts in their head.

What It's Like To Be An Introvert
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