Beyond the Book:
Introverts and the Internet

I wasn't surprised when Susan Cain's book, Quiet, mentioned that introverted people often thrive in the online world and are actually more likely to share personal information there than extroverts. I, for example, though unquestionably an introvert, enjoy reviewing books for BookBrowse, have profiles on several social networking sites, and have written a blog; these are all comfortable outlets for me to explore and express my interests.

Many introverts communicate via the Internet for this reason, relishing the chance to pursue their passions and find like-minded people in a way that is friendly to their temperament. Likewise, online communication has also made information and discussion about introverts and introversion more accessible to the world at large. The following examples are just a few of the many online resources created for and about introverts:

• Susan Cain's website, www.thepowerofintroverts.com, and an article she wrote for The New York Times entitled, "Shyness: Evolutionary Tactic?" (2011). Cain also wrote an article in The New York Times about introverts and leadership just before the 2012 Presidential election.


• Psychology Today's blog, "The Introvert's Corner" by Sophia Dembling


• "Caring for Your Introvert," an article in The Atlantic by Jonathan Rauch (2003)


• Forbes Magazine's "Why Introverts Can Make the Best Leaders" by Jennifer B. Kahnweiler (2009)

This article was originally published in February 2012, and has been updated for the January 2013 paperback release. Click here to go to this issue.

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