Isolation Vs. Introversion: What's The Difference?

Popular images of introverts often depict them as loners who shut themselves off from the world because they prefer to be by themselves. The psychological understanding of introversion can be very different. Most people with this trait still feel a deep need for connection and interaction with others and find loneliness very difficult. Contemporary psychology generally considers introversion a personality trait involving a reduced interest in external stimulation and rewards. People high in introversion may be less motivated to seek out social attention, and they may need a certain amount of time alone to “recharge.” In contrast, isolation usually means being cut off from communication, interaction, or relationships with others — and it can be as stressful for introverts as it is for extroverts. For professional support and guidance related to isolation and other mental health concerns, consider reaching out to a licensed therapist online or in person.

What is introversion?

Within the fields of psychology and social science, introversion is typically understood through the lens of the “Big Five” personality model. This view generally identifies five key ways that individuals differ in their approaches to the world:

• Openness to experience
• Conscientiousness
• Neuroticism
• Agreeableness
• Extraversion

Introversion can be another way of saying “low levels of extraversion.” The exact definition of extraversion can be complex, but people high in this trait tend to be more outgoing, sociable, and assertive. They may be more likely to get caught up in the emotions of those around them and more prone to excitement and enthusiasm in group settings. Eagerness to engage in social interactions can be a sign of extraversion, as can a tendency to become comfortable with new people quickly. 

In contrast, introverts may seem more reserved and quieter, and they may be more hesitant to pursue social connections. They’re often more self-directed and less sensitive to potential rewards in the world around them. For many people high in introversion (or low in extraversion), group activities may not always seem as interesting or fulfilling as solitary pursuits. 

Do introverts prefer to be alone?

Popular culture and outdated psychological views may have given many people unrealistic ideas about introversion. One of the most common can be the notion that introverts would rather be by themselves than engage with other people. 

It’s often true that introverts find social interactions more mentally fatiguing than extroverts. This can be especially true in crowded, noisy, chaotic settings. Some researchers believe this is because extraversion tends to be correlated with high activity in the dopaminergic reward system, the brain network that typically directs mental energy toward seeking out pleasant sensations and social affirmation.  

However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that introverts like being alone. They may need some downtime by themselves to recuperate between high-energy social situations. Yet, they often place a high value on their relationships with friends, relatives, and other people who are important to them.

Many introverts love interacting with others, especially in small groups. They might happily spend an entire day with their close friends. Even meeting new people isn’t necessarily a terrifying prospect for people high in introversion. Experts have argued that shyness is not necessarily an introverted trait — instead, many have a quiet confidence that can be mistaken for aloofness. 

The difference between isolation and introversion

While introversion can be seen as a personality type, isolation can be defined by a lack of contact or closeness with others. Isolation may not always be obvious from the outside. For instance, someone who spends almost all their time in the house while chatting with friends online may still feel a strong sense of social support. In contrast, a person who regularly has friendly chats with their neighbors might still feel strongly isolated if they have few close relationships.

In other words, isolation doesn’t necessarily indicate introversion. Taking some time alone time after a major social event might be normal for an introvert. However, if someone is isolating themselves from those close to them for a prolonged period, it could be a warning sign of mental health difficulties, such as:

• Depression
• Anxiety 
• Bipolar disorder
• PTSD
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Schizophrenia

Isolation can be dangerous for introverts

Though social isolation may be a symptom of mental illness, it can also be a cause. Research suggests that feeling cut off from other people tends to be a significant risk factor for a wide range of psychological difficulties, including depression, anxiety, dementia, and suicidal ideation. 

Contrary to many stereotypes, introverts may not handle loneliness better than others. In fact, some research suggests that they may be even more susceptible. For example, a 2021 paper reported that lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic often had a greater psychological impact on introverts than extroverts. 

This may be partly because people high in extraversion seem to be less susceptible to anxiety and depression in general. They may have higher levels of self-esteem and a greater ability to find social connections despite obstacles, potentially making them less likely to feel lonely, unwanted, and depressed in hard times. 

If you’re feeling lonely and having thoughts of suicide, you can connect with someone at any hour of the day or night through the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Dialing 988 will connect you with a trained volunteer, and you can also chat or access helpful resources through their website. No matter what’s happening in your life, you don’t have to go through it alone.

Overcoming isolation as an introvert

Those high in introversion may be more vulnerable to feelings of loneliness. Due to their tendency to be more hesitant, cautious, and reserved in the social sphere, they may have fewer social connections and find them more difficult to maintain. Introverts may also be more likely to have low self-esteem, which can increase the effect of isolation on their well-being. 

If you’re an introverted person grappling with loneliness, here are a few strategies that may help.

Budget quality time for those closest to you

Though you might be more prone to loneliness as an introvert, you may also be able to derive a sense of well-being from a relatively small number of close relationships. It can be helpful to spend time with the people you care about most. You might want to consider scheduling regular get-togethers with close friends, date nights with a partner, or phone calls with family members. 

Every so often, it could be a good idea to take a larger-than-usual chunk of time with someone who means a lot to you. These richer interactions may help sustain your sense of connection over the long run.

Don’t be afraid to reach out

As an introvert, you may be less comfortable sharing negative emotions. At the same time, those who are aware of your introverted tendencies might assume you’re okay on your own. This combination means that it may not be obvious to others around you when you’re feeling lonely.

Though it might seem hard, reaching out to a friend and being honest about what you’re going through could work wonders. This doesn’t have to mean oversharing. It could be as simple as saying something like, “Hey, I’ve been feeling down lately and could use a friend to talk to. Do you have some time this week to catch up?”

Recognize the value of small interactions for an introvert

Many self-professed introverts claim to hate small talk. This may be because they prefer profound conversations or because they may fear not knowing what to say to a stranger. However, research suggests that even very minor social interactions can help build up feelings of well-being. 

The next time you go to the store, get on a bus, or walk your dog, it may be helpful to avoid listening to headphones or looking at your phone. Instead, try making an effort to have one or two brief conversations with strangers. These minor interactions can spark happiness, and they might even lead to more robust connections with people in your neighborhood over time.

Do nothing with someone else

One common hurdle for introverts who want to socialize can be feeling unable to plan something fun and interesting. Yet, even unstructured time with friends can help you feel less lonely. You don’t necessarily need to put together a board game night or plan an evening out on the town. Something as simple as hanging out and reading in the same space as someone you like can buffer your mental health.

Mental health support for those feeling isolated

Coping with feelings of loneliness can be easier with support from a licensed mental health professional. You might want to consider talking with a therapist about your feelings of isolation to supplement the strategies described above. 

This may seem easier said than done. Maybe the reasons you’re feeling isolated include things like physical disabilities or mental illnesses that make it difficult for you to get out and about. Or perhaps there simply aren’t many practitioners in your area. 

Benefits of online therapy for introverts

In cases like those described above, online therapy may be a convenient option. Speaking with a therapist over the internet can allow for more flexibility while opening up a much larger pool of mental health professionals with whom to connect.

Effectiveness of online therapy for mental health

Although Internet-delivered therapy is relatively new, studies suggest that it has substantial potential to help people grappling with social isolation. For example, a 2020 trial found that eight weeks of online treatment based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) typically led to significant improvements in loneliness, social anxiety, and quality of life. You can explore programs like this through a web-based therapy platform like BetterHelp.