What Is the Difference Between Social Anxiety and Introversion?

Many people confuse social anxiety with introversion. You might notice a person standing in the corner during a party, or eating alone, and think whether they are introverted by nature or suffering from social anxiety.

Social anxiety is a mental health condition, while introversion is simply a personality trait. Many people confuse them because they sometimes look similar on the outside. Let’s break this down in very simple words so the difference is clear.

What Is Social Anxiety?

Social anxiety is a condition in which someone has an overwhelming sense of fear, anxiety or apprehension in relation to social interactions. This fear is not merely anticipatory when they are about to meet someone new, but rather much more intense and can inhibit everyday life.

Common behaviors of people who have social anxiety may include:

• Avoiding any activities that require them to speak in public or in meetings due to the fear of embarrassing themselves.

• Becoming anxious when eating, writing, or working in the presence of others.
• Worrying excessively about what others are thinking about them.
• Fearing they may say something "stupid" in their work settings.
• Experiencing physical symptoms like sweating, shaking, blushing, and increased heartbeat.

What Is Introversion?

Introversion is a genuine personality type, not a disorder. If you feel more comfortable by yourself or around just a few close people, you are likely an introvert.

Introverts often:

• Feel better in a quieter environment with a limited number of people they are close to
• Better enjoy reading, hobbies, or activities with an opportunity to be on their own
• Prefer to have authentic, deep one-on-one conversations instead of superficial group conversations
• Feel exhausted after socializing, regardless of whether they enjoyed the time and company
• Cancel plans to just sit somewhere and be by themselves

The Key Difference: Preference vs. Fear

The primary way to distinguish between social anxiety and introversion is the motivation behind someone’s avoidance of certain social situations.

An introvert willingly chooses to be by themselves because it is what they want and it is not habitual. It is an aware decision that makes them feel content and at peace. Introverts appreciate their own company and draw energy from being alone. Being alone can be viewed by an introvert as protected time for pondering, being creative, or simply relaxing.

For introverts, “quiet” or “alone” does not mean “lonely”; this is simply where they can be themselves most easily. After socializing, an introvert may feel tired and satisfied to know they spent time with others before taking time for themselves to re-energize.

An individual with social anxiety, on the other hand, is avoiding social situations due to an intense fear and not because it feels good to spend time alone. It is not the desire to principally be alone; however, it is that being around people is truly terrifying. Their minds race with virtually limitless worry: “What if I embarrass myself?” “What if everyone is judging me?” “What if I say something wrong?”

Even before they step into a room, they are visualizing every potential mistake and its consequences. The anxiety is so great that they can even rationalize their better off just being at home, even if that means they will actually be alone, or isolated.

In conclusion, being introverted is a straightforward personality type, whereas having social anxiety is a psychological disorder that can be helped by a board-certified and licensed anxiety specialist.