Are Social Networking Websites Better for Introverts or Extroverts?

Are social networking websites better for introverts or extroverts? In an August 28, 2008 article on www.mashable.com, Pete Cashmore, in his article "Irony Alert - Social Media Introverts?" posits his theory that perhaps the technological advancements in networking have encouraged introversion, rather than squelching it, hypothesizing that "perhaps social media affords us the control we lack in real life socializing: the screen as a barrier between us and the world." Mr. Cashmore has linked up a survey to his article, i.e., you get to choose from "introvert," "extrovert," "neither" or "both." Of course, I couldn't resist checking out the results of the survey. I was fascinated to discover that fully 59% of his respondents described themselves as introverts, extroverts at 14%, neither at 2%, and both at 25%.

Surveys can be misleading. Did the introverts weigh in more heavily because Mr. Cashmore is a self-described introvert, and that's who reads his articles? Aren't extroverts the ones most likely to profit from social networking sites, anyway?

The Myers-Briggs people hypothesize that roughly two-thirds of any population is composed of extroverts, with the remaining one-third introverts. This idea is seconded by Marti Laney in her book: The Introvert Advantage: How to Thrive in an Extrovert World. If the majority of the world is composed of extroverts, then why are all of these online contributors describing themselves as introverts? Wouldn't it be these people who are most eager to use the social networking sites, versus those who prefer fewer people in their lives to begin with?

I decided to try out a social networking site to check out the world of social networking for myself. I recently joined Facebook, at the prolonged urging of a close friend, and tested it out. Facebook, on the off-chance that you know absolutely nothing about it, is a site that allows one to link up with one's friends, and then link up with all of one's friend's friends. It is "six degrees of separation" in cyberspace, and it offers the participant the potential opportunity to get to know everyone in the world (or at least everyone who owns a computer).

First off, I must disclose that I myself am an introvert. So you will not be getting a completely impartial take on Facebook here. I think that Facebook is indeed a great gift to introverts, and I have to agree with Mr. Cashmore. It gives you the ability to present yourself to the world as you choose, and to pre-screen your friends as you choose. Granted, you are banking on them being honest in their self-presentation, but that's another issue. And it suits introverts' need to control the amount of social interaction to which they are subjected. (If you don't want to answer someone's comment on your "Wall" that day, you don't have to.)

And if you are not a great "face-to-face" person, as many people are not, whether they are introverts or extroverts, Facebook presents an opportunity to pave the road for a relationship before you actually walk on it. This would benefit anyone whose social skills are not particularly well-honed. Once someone gets to know you, and sees your finer qualities and your mutual commonalities, a lot of future faux pas will most likely be forgiven.

Social networking sites are particularly useful for people who do not want to venture out of a particular social forum. If you only want to meet people of a particular religious or cultural group, a social networking site that is tailored to your group could be a godsend.

So, are social networking websites better for introverts or extroverts? After reflection, I would say that social networking benefits both introverts and extroverts. It is perhaps a luxury for extroverts and most likely a necessity for introverts, as many people are so introverted that it's hard for them to even begin a conversation. But it's useful for everyone. I must confess that I started out intending to bash Facebook and ultimately decided I liked it, which was a pleasant surprise for me. I definitely recommend that you try it out. You have nothing to lose but space in your In Box.

Sources:

http://mashable.com/2008/08/15/irony-alert-social-media-introverts/

Laney, Marti Olsen. 2002. The Introvert Advantage: How to Thrive in an Extrovert World. Workman Publishing Company. ISBN 0761123695

www.facebook.com