How can you tell the difference between social phobia and introversion? Although introversion and social anxiety may look similar at first glance, they are actually completely different phenomena. And here there is a clear line between an introverted temperament, which should be respected, and social fear, which must be fought.1. Introversion is innate, social anxiety is acquired. Introversion is part of your innate personality. And while those who experience social anxiety also carry a genetic predisposition to it, it's not just about temperament. We can copy the behavior of a parent who worries about what the neighbors think, experience social trauma such as bullying, or something... then again. No matter how social anxiety penetrates our brain, we begin to believe that people will judge us. 2: With social phobia, there is a fear of being discovered. With social anxiety, we think that there is something wrong with us. Most often these are supposed shortcomings that are greatly exaggerated and not true. You think that if you speak up, everyone will think you're stupid or something. Regardless of the perceived shortcoming, you are afraid of being exposed. On the contrary, an introvert has nothing to hide, he accepts his character and sees its advantages.3. Social phobia causes many discomforts, unlike introversion. The basis of social phobia, as the name suggests, is fear. This fear causes you to miss out on a lot of opportunities - promotions at work, new friends or romantic relationships. But what you really want is to feel free. Social anxiety interferes with life. An introvert can live withdrawn and at the same time comfortably, but if necessary, calmly leave his cocoon. No condemnation, no convincing yourself that you didn’t really want it. An introvert is not driven by fear. Fortunately, social anxiety can be successfully corrected with psychotherapy. Social anxiety is solvable. But psychotherapy is unlikely to change an introverted personality, and this is not necessary.