Does using a computer force introversion?

[flow]

Could using a computer on a regular basis perhaps force a person to introvert? And if so, could this influence one's personality? Hmm...

 

[Aurora]

"Force" is a strong word. Perhaps it's conducive to being introverted. I definitely spend a ton of time alone in my room because I can stay on my computer for hours. I find that for awhile the amount of connection I have with the rest of the world (through the Internet/chatting/forums) is enough for me, but after a few hours I feel like I need more interaction with real people than I can get from using my computer. Yet I stay on my computer because it's easier to do that than to get together with someone.

 

[Decaf]

On the contrary I think its a comfortable, if enabling, way for introverts to extravert themselves. What are we doing here? We're engaging with the outside world, but in a way that allows us to control the situation. We can type something, delete it if we don't like it. If we post, we can delete the post too, or at least edit it. The immediate consequences are light and abandonment costs very little.

When we get tired of arguing with someone, we can retreat, so something introverted for a while to regain our energy and then come back. It's beautiful. You can completely ignore inane comments without being rude in return (you know... the "I don't know what to say, so I'm gonna turn slightly and look around the room" move).

I don't think its an end, but possibly a means of developing your extraverted side if you use it that way. Unfortunately because it is so low stress some people don't actually grow up and end up talking about genitals and making racist remarks constantly. That's their own fault because they have a wonderful opportunity and they're squandering it.

So I guess what I'm trying to suggest is that its up to everyone whether or not a computer is a place to hide or a tool for growth.

 

[Aurora]

Well, you make me think of a scale where for people who are very introverted, the computer IS a way of extraverting themselves, but for people who aren't very introverted, the computer is more regressive than progressive in terms of being extraverted.

I'm engaging with the outside world, but to a much lesser degree than if I were out with people. For someone who's never out with people, he'd be engaging with the outside world to a much greater degree than if he were doing some other solitary activity.

 

[ElectricWizard]

Hmmm... If it can, maybe we should force everyone to use a computer after we take over the world? It's like brainwashing, but easier!

 

[ShaiGar]

Introversion is where you get your energy. I've been a computer geek since 1999, and I'm still an Extrovert.

I'm also reclusive, maybe that's what it makes you, reclusive rather than introverted.

 

[Artifice Orisit]

Hmmm... If it can, maybe we should force everyone to use a computer after we take over the world? It's like brainwashing, but easier!

Shut up, you'll ruin everything. It's only just starting to work.

 

[Thread Killer]

I've found computers to help me break out of not only my online shell but my RL shell as well...so...no.

 

[zxc]

It doesn't force introversion. I would say that introverts are slightly more attracted to computers, though.

Computers, books and music! Who would ever need anything else? (other than a huge castle and a few private jets and maybe $10 billion)

 

[ElectricWizard]

Shut up, you'll ruin everything. It's only just starting to work.

No, see, it seems like I'm being sarcastic, so they'll NEVER SUSPECT IT!

 

[ChaosTheory]

I'm on my computer a lot and if not on mine, then sometimes I get on one of the many available on campus at college. I just love to sit there for an hour or two and just talk to people on forums, look up news or spoilers for my favorite TV shows, and just get caught up with the things I like. But, like people have said, I use them just to get away from people after being social for a while. I need the quiet, the alone time. Then, after a while, I need that social interaction again. I need to just hang out, go out, see people, etc. If not, then I feel like my day is slowly, but quickly, slipping away and nothing was accomplished.

 

[ShaiGar]

It doesn't force introversion. I would say that introverts are slightly more attracted to computers, though.

Computers, books and music! Who would ever need anything else? (other than a huge castle and a few private jets and maybe $10 billion)

THUNDERCOCK!!!

 

[flow]

A lot of excellent points have been made, I sort of had in mind children...wondering if by using a computer their way of thought may be influenced by the computer. Another strange thought I had a while back was how people have been co-evolving with plants and animals for 10,000 years or so (the neolithic revolution), could we potentialy co-evolve with computers? Both sides getting smarter?!

 

[kellimaier]

I am close to an extrovert...he uses his computer far less than I use my own.
He NEEDS to go out and be with people.
I also have found an outlet and a voice through writing online and interacting in forums.
I must say this is a one of the best forums so far...everyone is so...similar to...me...

 

[Calamedes]

@ kelli hmmm wonder why? hahahaha

@flow: the problem with us co-evolving with computers is that computers are (at least at this point) entirely dependent upon human intelligence, rather than their own. Until we create some program that can replicated ANY brain, let alone human, computers' data can only come from us. Therefore, computers will be behind humanity for a LONG time, if not forever.

 

[Ex-User (221)]

I find it to be an outlet. I can post things here that I'd never dare tell anyone I know personally...