Extraversion is a measure of general sensitivity to positive emotions such as hope, joy, anticipation, and approach, especially in social situations.
People with a high level of extraversion are very enthusiastic, talkative, assertive in social situations, and gregarious. They are highly energized by social contact and have a strong desire for it. They take great pleasure in organizing parties, telling jokes, making people laugh, and participating in community activities. They generally have positive memories of the past, high self-esteem (especially if they have a low score in neuroticism), and significantly more optimism for the future than average. Exceptionally extraverted people have difficulty keeping things to themselves and tend to tell everyone everything. They reveal a lot (especially if they have a high score in neuroticism) and quickly bond with others. They speak up first in meetings. They can be extremely captivating and persuasive. They will be the first to act. Extraverted people make remarkably enthusiastic employees and are well-suited to jobs involving sales, persuasion, group work, and public speaking (especially again if they have a low score in neuroticism). They are poorly suited for professions that require a lot of solitary work (such as computer programming or accounting). Highly extraverted people can also be very impulsive, especially when it comes to having fun in social situations. They strongly tend to sacrifice the future for the present when something social or collective invites them. They find it difficult to be alone, study, and work. They can easily be distracted by opportunities to chat, joke, and socialize. This is especially true if they have a low score in conscientiousness. When individuals are extraverted and conscientious, they are more productive than if they are introverted and conscientious. However, when they are introverted with a low score in conscientiousness, they are more productive than when they are extraverted with a low score in conscientiousness. Extraverted people are very dominant in social situations, especially if they also have a low score in agreeableness. Less agreeable extraverts tend to be self-centered, which can be exacerbated if they are also low in conscientiousness. The extraversion scale is strongly correlated with interest in entrepreneurial professions.
People scoring low are reserved, calm, unobtrusive, and less dependent on social life than extraverts. They have lower energy and activity levels than average. They are generally calm. Their low social engagement should not be interpreted as shyness or depression; introverts simply need less stimulation than extraverts and more time to recharge their batteries. Introverts are reserved rather than unfriendly, independent rather than 'followers' or 'disciples,' and while they tend to maintain a calm and steady pace in their activities, they are not necessarily slow or apathetic. They may describe themselves as shy when they want to signify that they prefer being alone. They do not necessarily suffer from social anxiety. Finally, while they do not have the exuberant mood of extraverts, introverts are neither unhappy nor pessimistic.
In the Big Five system, extraversion is defined as an outward-directed activity, and should not be seen as a 'prosocial behavior.' Extraversion does not describe, for example, how much a person genuinely cares for others. It only takes into account the general level of outward activity. Introverts are not antisocial but simply need less stimulation and prefer spending more time alone. Those who are politically liberal are slightly less extraverted than conservatives. Women are slightly more extraverted than men. The average percentile for women in the general population (both women and men) is 52. For men, it is 48.
A charismatic leader who excels in social interactions, enjoys being the center of attention, and actively seeks the company of others demonstrates a high level of Extraversion.
An introverted person who prefers more limited social interactions, feels more comfortable in calm environments, and has little desire to be the center of attention reflects a lower level of Extraversion.
A party host who constantly seeks new opportunities to socialize and organize social events demonstrates a high level of Extraversion.
An individual who prefers quiet evenings at home rather than frequently going out with others exhibits lower Extraversion.