Extraversion

What it measures

Extraversion describes how much energy you draw from people, activity and stimulation. High scorers are talkative, assertive and enthusiastic; they think out loud and seek excitement. Low scorers, often called introverts, are reserved and quieter in groups, prefer smaller gatherings and recharge alone. Most people sit somewhere in the middle, the zone popularly called ambiversion.

Introversion is not the same as shyness or social anxiety: plenty of introverts are confident and socially skilled, they simply find big crowds tiring. Research regularly links Extraversion with experiencing more positive emotions and enjoying social rewards, while low scorers often shine at focused, independent work and attentive listening.

High scorers tend to

• Recharge by being around people
• Speak up quickly in groups
• Seek fun, noise and new faces
• Show enthusiasm openly

Low scorers tend to

• Recharge with quiet time alone
• Think before speaking
• Prefer deep one-on-one talks
• Stay calm and observant in crowds

Sounds like you?

Your Extraversion is high: people, noise and action recharge you. You start conversations, fill silences and turn errands into social events. The roast: "I’ll just stay for one" has never once been true, and you send voice notes to people who would really prefer a text.

Your Extraversion is in the middle, often called ambivert territory. You enjoy a lively night out and an empty Sunday in roughly equal measure, and you can usually tell which one you need. The roast: you RSVP yes with total enthusiasm, then quietly hope it gets canceled.

Your Extraversion is on the lower side: you recharge in quiet, prefer deep conversations to small talk and think before you speak. People value your calm and your listening. The roast: you have rehearsed a phone call in the shower, and your dream party has four guests and a dog.

How this test measures it

The other four traits

Related ideas

• sociability
• energy
• assertiveness
• enthusiasm
• introversion
• ambivert