Jerie: Better is, of course, from the extrovert’s point of view.

Melina and Lori: I was thinking of the inner/outer world distinction, which is also part of the MBTI concept of E/I. It’s entirely possible that an extrovert could identify the Internet with the outer world and/or get energy from it - it’s just not something I’ve seen in RL extroverts. But then, I don’t get out much.

If your idea of a great time is to go to a party and associate with people, if that’s what gets you turned on and motivated, if at the end of the party you’re energized and ready for more — that’s an extrovert per MBTI.

If you associate well with others and enjoy their company, yet find it necessary to retreat to a quiet place; if you prefer to associate with one or two people at a time rather than hang out and play with a dozen or so; if you find yourself trying, at work, to solve all your difficulties on your own and not instinctively going to someone else first; if your way of recharging in the evening after a hard day of associating with many people at work is to sit in front of a computer playing games or perhaps reading a book — this is the MBTI introvert. It doesn’t mean you don’t like people; that’s a pathological problem. It doesn’t mean you prefer not to associate with people. It means you need time to process stuff in your own way, internally.

The more common idea of extravert = good with people, introvert = loner, is not MBTI-based. It’s not that simple.

Extroverts have better things to do with their time

I’m not sure I would agree that rubbing elbows with a bunch of drunks in a smoke-filled bar is “a better thing” than laughing with AIM buddies while listening to favourite tunes. But that’s just semantics. To each his own. I guess all of us need social outlets and the net has become a wonderful way for those of us who like finding it in their inner life.

Looking forward to the next MBTI Theatre.