9 Differences Between Introverts and Extroverts

Introversion and extroversion are terms used to describe human personality traits. They are on a continuum rather than two separate and distinct types. Most people have a mix of both, but they tend to be dominant in one.

Some people tend to be more introverted. They prefer spending time alone, working in small groups with familiar people, and processing information privately. Others are more extroverted. They get energized around people and process information by talking about it. Someone with an equal mix of introverted and extroverted traits is called an ambivert. 

There are many differences between introverts and extroverts. Below, we’ll look at these differences and what it means to be introverted and extroverted, as well as ambivert traits. 

Key differences between introverts vs. extroverts

Understanding the differences between introversion and extroversion can help you better understand yourself and those around you.

Here are nine key differences between introverts and extroverts.

1. Comfort zones

Introverts feel more comfortable reflecting on their thoughts and ideas. “For the introvert, ‘home’ is their private, internal space,” Laurie Helgoe, PhD, clinical psychologist and author of “Introvert Power,” told GoodRx Health. 

Extroverts prefer engaging with the outer world. “Home for the extrovert is the external world,” said Helgoe.

2. Interactions with others

Introverts prefer hanging out in quiet places with someone close or with a small, familiar group of people.

Extroverts seek out social contact regularly, and “they tend to prefer intensity in their interactions,” said Helgoe.  

3. Communication

Introverts often prefer to express themselves in writing. “They spend more time listening and forming their thoughts and responses,” said Helgoe.

Extroverts prefer talking to listening or writing. They tend to think out loud or “form their thoughts as they speak,” said Helgoe.

4. Interruptions

Introverts prefer predictable contact to interruptions. Helgoe said, “They like stretches of uninterrupted solitude.” 

Extroverts might be more receptive to interruptions. “They don’t mind if someone pops into their office to chat,” said Helgoe.

5. Workspaces

Introverts prefer the peace and quiet of working from home. “For introverts, there is something comforting about a Zoom screen because it gives them options,” said Helgoe. “They can mute their audio, text a message, and even briefly go off camera and gather their thoughts.”

“Extroverts may want more time in the office because they prefer face-to-face interactions,” said Helgoe.

6. Worldview

“Introverts are receptive to seeing the light and dark in the world, the positive and the negative,” says Helgoe.

“Extroverts, because they’re oriented toward rewards, will filter out more of the negativity in the world,” said Helgoe.

7. Tasks

Introverts would rather tackle one task at a time. They may be more deliberate and tend to work slowly.

Extroverts often dive into assignments quickly, make fast decisions, and tend to multitask.  

8. Risks

Introverts tend to take fewer risks and tend to be more cautious.

Extroverts are more likely to take risks and may be less cautious.

9. Processing

Introverts recall thoughts from their long-term memory to make complex associations. They may, for instance, recall multiple sources of information to form their thoughts. 

Extroverts use a small amount of information from their short-term memories to develop their thoughts. Helgoe said they “will use information more readily accessible in order to communicate thoughts quickly and obtain feedback and rewards.”

What does it mean to be introverted?

An introvert typically processes information privately and internally. 

“Internal processing is the most unique feature of what it means to be introverted,” said Helgoe. “If an introvert is in a conversation, they’ll take time to reflect on what’s being said and formulate a response before they speak.”

Common character traits of an introvert

These are common characteristics of an introvert:

• Reflective

• Thinks things through

• Confidential (good stewards of private information)

• Private

• Meaningful (they make sense of things)

• Insightful

• Absorbent (they absorb a lot from the world)

• Sensitive

• Quiet

• Receptive

What does it mean to be extroverted?

An extrovert is someone who processes information through their outer world. They’re energized by people, discussion, and the stimuli around them. 

“They’re more likely to process information interactively with others and to want quicker feedback,” said Helgoe. 

Common personality traits of an extrovert

These are common traits of an extrovert:

• Expressive

• Reward seeking

• Competitive

• Curious

• Adventurous

• Talkative

• Stimulation seeking

• Engaged with what’s going on externally

What does it mean to be ambiverted?

“Ambiverts aren’t dominant in either introversion or extroversion but are right in the middle. They will, depending on the situation, draw from introverted or extroverted capacities,” said Helgoe.

“Introversion and extroversion are best understood on a continuum,” added Helgoe. “It’s not a dichotomy. We all have a mix, but we tend to be dominant in one or the other.” 

For example, an introvert may want to go home and be alone after work to decompress. An extrovert may want to go out with friends and socialize to decompress. “They’re going to want to recover by engaging and talking about their day,” said Helgoe.

An ambivert may want to go out with friends one day and go home to read a book the next. “They’re less predictable,” Helgoe said. 

Common personality traits of an ambivert

These traits are sometimes associated with ambiverts:  

• Comfortable with groups of people

• Equally comfortable by themselves

• Adaptable

• Flexible

• Balanced

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Written by:

Ana Gascon

Ana Gascon has over 15 years of writing and editing experience, with 8 years in health and medical content work. She is a versatile health and medical content creator who writes about acute conditions, chronic diseases, mental health challenges, and health equity.

Edited by:

Renée Fabian, MA

Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She’s worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.

Reviewed by:

India B. Gomez, PhD

India B. Gomez, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist with a certificate in Latin American Family Therapy. She completed her doctoral education at the California School of Professional Psychology/Alliant International University.

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