What is the key difference between being an Introvert vs Antisocial?
Well for one, if you like spending time alone, you can easily be confused for one of the other. Just because you enjoy spending time alone does not make you antisocial. Maybe you are, maybe you’re not. This article will help classify you better.
There’s always the possibility of you being an introvert or just antisocial. The thing about being anti social is that introverts and extroverts can be antisocial. Not all introverts are antisocial and vice versa.
Even Ambiverts who are neither introverts nor extroverts (they are a perfect blend) also tend to be antisocial. However, introversion and antisocial personalities are completely different. You should understand that antisocial personality disorder is completely different from being antisocial.
Antisocial people tend to avoid the company of others as much as they can. Again, another reason why it is mistaken to being introverted. But far from the truth, a comparison helps you see just how different they can be.
Psychologists describe antisocial people as persons who tend to behave both abnormally and possibly harmfully.
That’s a more formal term for people who can behave aggressively due to their antisocial personality disorder. They can commit crimes and so on. But it is important to note that this is not what we mean in this article.
Instead, the term antisocial is used as a more informal everyday term. So, what exactly is the difference between introvert vs antisocial?
Difference Between Introvert vs Antisocial
Here are a few questions to help classify yourself better.
1. Do You Ever Enjoy Being Around People?
The difference between an introvert and an antisocial person is simple. Although introverts dislike large groups of people and crowded events, they have a few close friends.
As an introvert, you may just not have a liking to superficial conversations. However, there are few persons you have a healthy relationship with. You enjoy their company and they enjoy yours too.
This is different for an antisocial person who does not enjoy spending time with people in any way. They don’t see the point and would rather much avoid them all they can. An antisocial person will not see the point of interacting with members of their community.
2. Are You Considered Friendly?
Introverts tend to have great social skills when required. The only difference is that they don’t like being social for too long as it drains their social battery. However, they make great conversationalists.
It might be difficult to get an introvert to open up. However, once they do, they can be the most interesting person in the room. They crave deep conversations and will not settle for less. Superficial conversations is one of the easiest ways to get an introvert to clock out.
People who are antisocial, however, are not interested in any form of conversation. They come off as mean, offensive, unfriendly and unlikable. If you tend to behave like this, chances are you are antisocial.
An antisocial person does not care about any form of conversation and socializing. They give off uncongenial vibes. People do not consider them to be friendly and will most likely stay away/avoid them as much as possible.
3. Do You Like social media?
In the introvert vs antisocial battle, social media comes heavily into play. Introverts tend to have a good number of interactions on social media.
They are open to sharing photos and engaging with people. Sometimes an introvert thrives online because they’re able to socialize with the people.
Although they are still reserved and don’t throw all their personal information on social media, they still enjoy it.
They appreciate how they can interact with people without having to leave their personal space. And they can shut it all out by simply turning off their phones.
Antisocial people on the other hand might use social media but use it only on professional basis. When it doesn’t have to do with a task, they have no use for social media.
They’re there for business and business alone. Some antisocial people do not even care enough for social media.
Engaging with people or seeing social media as fun isn’t in their books. They have no patience for any of those.
4. What Do You Think About Phone Calls?
Phone calls can be a tricky method of analysis because both introverts and antisocial people would avoid a phone call. However, introverts are completely okay with phone calls if they expect it. Calling them out of no where is not welcomed.
Although it might take them a light year to agree to a plan, an introvert is okay with social interaction. As long as they aren’t overwhelming and constant, you count them in.
Introverts enjoy the company of others as long as it fits into their schedule. They need to be in control of who they meet, how it happens, and how many people will be present.
After a day or even an hour of socializing, an introvert might recharge for a long time. They do this by being in their personal space and having some alone time.
An antisocial person, however, does not appreciate calls, texts or hangouts. They do not want to have any form of contact with anyone.
They can go a very long time without making contact and will ignore when their phone rings. Regardless of how important it might be, they might just not answer.
5. What Do You Think About Relationships?
Introverted people are not completely closed off to the idea of a romantic relationship. At certain points in their lives, they would be open to finding a partner. This includes dating and possibly life long commitments.
They also welcome friendships and everything that comes with it. Although careful and picky, introverts do not completely detest the idea of relationships. They find it appealing and they crave companionship.
Antisocial people, however, want nothing to do with it. They wouldn’t want to go through the hassle of relationships as that requires work. They aren’t willing to put in that much effort into a relationship.
Friendships and other relationships require the involvement of other parties. Antisocial people spend their time avoiding that. Antisocial people would rather be left alone.
6. How Well Do You Open Up to Others?
Introverts are very difficult to know. This is because they always have their guards up and would prefer their own company.
They also avoid meaningless conversations and only share things with you when they trust you. This makes them pretty difficult to read and understand.
However, they eventually have people they open up to and are not completely against the idea. If they like you and respect you, they will open up to you.
On the other hand, antisocial people are different. They will not open up to anyone. They keep to themselves their problems, joy, sadness, and much more.
In the first place, they avoid social contact. So, it’s almost impossible to get them to open up to you.
Mental Health: Introvert vs Antisocial
When you spend all of your time or at least most of it alone, you are surrounded by your thoughts. This leaves you open to delusions and overthinking. This is common for introverts and antisocial people.
No doubt, introversion is a more common and acceptable personality trait. However, antisocial people tend to cut off people and any form of social interaction. In some cases, this could be a sign of something else.
People who exhibit antisocial characteristics might want to consider visiting a therapist to get help. It can lead to problems such as eating disorders, OCD, PTSD and other forms of mental illness.
If all the above characteristics resonates with you, you should consider visiting a therapist. This it could be a sign of an underlying mental health condition.
What If You’re Just Super-Introverted?
If you’re still unsure of where you fit, understanding different personality types is a good place to start. Introverts may differ from one another but they have common traits. Some of these traits include:
- Need to recharge after socializing but aren’t completely against the idea.
- Do not appreciate conflict and avoid confrontations as well.
- Have other means of expressing themselves such as through art or writing.
- Prefer working alone and are efficient in that manner.
- Are very interesting to talk to because they are very insightful.
- Might find it difficult to open up at first but will eventually.
As mentioned above, introverts are different. The only thing they share with antisocial people is their introversion. They have other dominating functions which are interesting to know and understand.
Contrary to popular opinions, introverts are not shy. They just prefer their time alone. Social situations can be draining and they need to be alone for a while.
Shy people are usually just nervous to socialize but this doesn’t mean they find it draining. It also does not mean they require their alone time in other to function.
Introvert Vs Antisocial
So, with all that being said, introverts and antisocial people might think they share some characteristics. But this isn’t exactly the case when looked into properly.
What category do you fall under?
