Extroversion: The Basics of Energy

In previous posts, I emphasized how Extroverts mentally start from a point of view or perspective that is removed from their own subjectivity and tied to the external world. This is the foundation of how the Cognitive Functions operate for the Jungian 16 Personalities, particularly in Socionics. However, focusing solely on this aspect leads to many mistypes.

Even though Socionics’ model of functional interactions is significantly more sophisticated, focusing only on perspective and neglecting energy and/or emotiveness as signifiers of extroversion, results in many introverts mistyping themselves in that system.

When it comes to the basics, even without knowing the particulars of the Cognitive Functions, Extroversion can more or less easily be spotted, even for people who know nothing of personality systems.

Before I go into easy to tell signs, it needs to be clarified that people can move from extroversion and introversion back and forth, like I described in this article with the House analogy.

Surely, introverts can “amp up” their extroverted functions and momentarily “look” like extroverts in certain situations, whereas extroverts can “play down” or move inwards for certain moments and then momentarily “look” like introverts. This effect is particularly emphasized if the person has a secondary subtype and is therefore “ambiverted”.

If you want to determine someone’s or your own “true” Extroversion or Introversion, you need to look at the baseline behavior or in other words, which state is the most natural and most predominant for the person.

If you are left to your own devices and do not feel restricted or forced, what does naturally emerge for you without second thought?

Concept of Energy

The Extrovert has a higher charge or current, and a greater amount of energy to spare. If it gets restricted, something will be blocked and create damage, if not internal combustion.

Whereas the Introvert has a lower charge or current, and less energy to utilize. If there is pressure to produce more energy or keep it at a higher charge, the energy will quickly run out or the system will be damaged.

Extroverts in Real Life

Generally, extroverts will naturally have louder voices and faster speech (watch this and this), and usually have more facial animation and/or more (physical or mental) energy – on average. The extrovert will naturally be this way without conscious effort the majority of the time, unless shyness or other factors restrict them for too much and too long. If that is the case, the extrovert will eventually feel lifeless and disconnected from their true being.

Introverts in Real Life

On the other hand, the introvert will naturally have a quieter voice and/or slower speech (watch this and this), less facial animation and/or less (physical or mental) energy – on average. The introvert will naturally be this way without conscious effort the majority of the time, unless certain social situations make them want to act differently. The introvert can move towards a more “extroverted” behavior for limited amounts of time and specific occasions. But overall, their natural mode is the opposite. If they force their extroverted behavior for too much and too long, they will experience a mental fatigue or even burnout.