I have written before about my issues with IM’g and talking on the telephone. To say I’m uncomfortable with those two things is to downplay the hyperventilation.
Social Media, on the other hand, seems to be a completely separate issue for me. One I don’t mind at all. I actually enjoy my memberships on FaceBook and Twitter.
As an introvert, I like to keep to myself. I am OK spending the day at home, surfing the Web, talking with my children, and letting life pass me by.
I think the reason I like interacting on Twitter, and even FaceBook, is that I have the control. I don’t have to keep up a conversation. I can pick up anywhere and make a comment or not make a comment. I have complete control over how I interact with others and have no obligation to be "on".
So to those of you who would IM me (and you know who you are), I’m so glad you’ve found me on Twitter. It’s good to see your picture and read your mini-thoughts (Twitter is, after all, character-limited). I like that I can interact with you, but not too much. But, then, if you know me, you totally get that.
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ve always tested as a borderline Introvert/Extovert, and I think that’s exactly right. I love to have a nice long phone chat with a friend, IF I feel like it. Otherwise, I feel as if I’ve been imposed upon.
IM–I never log in for the same reason–I’m trying to email or blog or comment, and I keep getting interrupted by a friend across town. No thanks.
You know I have resisted Twitter and it’s mini counterparts like a Siren’s song. But I think the ADD part of it would be great for me, I lost interest easily.
I find it funny that I’m an extrovert in so many ways except the phone. IM drives me nuts and I never know how to end it other than saying “leave me alone!”
Twitter gives me that outlet to make a quick comment and then to leave it. Of course, I’m extroverted enough to keep scanning Twitter to see if anyone replied to me because I still want that interaction.
I have a sickness. There is no meds for it. I hope y’all are okay with that.
i’m an extrovert married to an introvert. the older i get, the more i get how different introverts and extroverts are. and that it’s okay.
people don’t have to enjoy being with other people.
Twitter gives me the sense that 17 people out there actually care that the cat yakked in the laundry basket, however false that sense might be. Also, I’ve always wanted “followers”. I’m a teensy bit megalomaniacal, but in a nice way.
I have not just signed up for twitter. It seems all the rage, but I just don’t get it. Of course, I just began facebook and LOVE it! Though I hate commenting because I don’t want everyone to read what I post on one person’s picture.
Glad to meet a fellow introvert.
Oh. My. Gosh. I totally thought I was the only one that felt this way. I hate talking on the phone and I removed the IM thing from my computer so my mom couldn’t pop up on my screen.
Love Twitter because I decide when to add something or reply.
And I’m wondering if I’m a closet introvert (masked as an extrovert my whole life.)
Wow. Like minds.
LOL. I totally relate. I hate IM. And I’m not too fond of the telephone. But I do love me some Twitter.
Well, I can’t stinkin’ hear on the phone with the kids yelling in the background…I can’t spell worth a flip to im…so twitter is about the only thing I can handle.
I have mulitple social memberships. My husband pointed out that it was ironic for a person who is terribly shy.
Now, I feel better.
I’m exactly the same way. I have 3 friends who IM each other all the time and they’re always wondering why I’m “never online.” I’m *always* online, I just never turn on the chat program because I just don’t like that stuff!
We the misfits, in order to form a more perfect union of isolationism, do hereby Twitter.
In agreement with you and in the words of the immortal Carol O’Connor… ” I like company Edith, but why do they always have to come over?”
I have short term mingling tolerance.
I with those who don’t get Twitter or IM an I’m not really sure what Facebook is although I did set up an account. I don’t text message. That I don’t have time to Twitter confirms for me that I have time management issues. Or that I’m old. Or both.