What's the term for someone who is non-social?

[jkatra]

There are various terms in psychology and culture that describe people who have non-social tendencies. For example:

Introvert: someone who needs to sometimes be away from others in order to re-charge their energy level.

Shy: discomfort, fear or lack of confidence in association with others.

Avoidant personality disorder: often consider themselves to be socially inept or personally unappealing, and avoid social interaction for fear of being ridiculed, humiliated, rejected, or disliked.

Sociopath: behavior is antisocial and who lacks a sense of moral responsibility or social conscience.

Is there a term that only describes someone who doesn’t have a strong need to be social? Introverts for example might need to re-charge their energy level after being social, but they still might desire to be social in the first place.

[Doppelbock]

To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

antisocial:
1. Shunning the society of others; not sociable.
2. Hostile to or disruptive of the established social order; marked by or engaging in behavior that violates accepted mores: gangs engaging in vandalism and other antisocial behavior.
3. Antagonistic toward or disrespectful of others; rude.

[jkatra]

To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

antisocial:
1. Shunning the society of others; not sociable.
2. Hostile to or disruptive of the established social order; marked by or engaging in behavior that violates accepted mores: gangs engaging in vandalism and other antisocial behavior.
3. Antagonistic toward or disrespectful of others; rude.

But what if you aren't hostile or disruptive to the social order at all, but have a strong desire to avoid interaction with people? I think people always assume that "introvert" covers this, but introverts can strongly desire social interaction.

[Allie]

Is there a term that only describes someone who doesn’t have a strong need to be social?

I think "introvert" would be the appropriate term here, based on relative needs, rather than absolute lack thereof.

However, if that is not it, then the only other term, I could think of, within context, is unsocial/unsociable or reclusive?

[QuietPlease]

But what if you aren't hostile or disruptive to the social order at all, but have a strong desire to avoid interaction with people? I think people always assume that "introvert" covers this, but introverts can strongly desire social interaction.

Introverts are social when they feel they can get something out of it other than just being social. In my experience, introverts are very rarely social just for the sake of being. They're usually looking for something.

Extraverts are social just to be around people and yap, yap, yap.

[Humble Bragger]

To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
"a person who is or prefers to be alone, especially one who avoids the company of others"

You're looking for that, right? All (who have themselves chosen to be) loners are introverts but not vice versa.

Remember that introverts vary; some have heavy and some have moderate introversion.

Introverts do not need to be social in the same sense as extraverts but they do enjoy the company of (what they find as) interesting people just like anyone else but just not in the same amount.

[sadf]

To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

a·so·cial (-sshl)
adj.
1. Not social: "Bears are asocial, secretive animals" (David Graber).
2. Avoiding or averse to the society of others; not sociable: "It's not that you're so asocial, but a man who likes people doesn't wind up in the Antarctic" (Saul Bellow).
3. Unable or unwilling to conform to normal standards of social behavior; antisocial: "crime, riots, drug use and other asocial behavior" (Derek Shearer).
4. Inconsiderate of others; self-centered.

[Anemoi]

I know that the original question is not related with introversion directly, but I think this might help. I'll just write down an excerpt of the book "Introvert Power", from Laurie Helgoe PhD

The opposite of social is not antisocial

Of all the assumptions made about introverts, the idea that we are antisocial is the most ridiculous. The term “antisocial” actually refers to sociopathy (or antisocial personality disorder), a condition in which a person lacks a social conscience. This has
nothing to do with introversion. Introverts are often deeply concerned about the human condition; they just tend to look within for answers. Ironically, the classic sociopath is quite charming and socially engaging, but lacks the inner capacity to feel empathy and guilt. This is a great example of how our vision tricks us. An introvert deep in thought will look self-absorbed, whether he’s thinking about world hunger or working out how to hack into
someone’s bank account. An engaging extrovert will lookfriendly, whether he really cares about your day or is trying to pick your pocket. Therapists are reluctant to apply the diagnosis
of antisocial personality disorder until there is clear evidence for it, because it is a serious problem with a poor prognosis. Enjoying your own company does not warrant any
diagnosis, but this one is especially cruel. But are we just talking semantics here? When we use “antisocial” in this way, we really mean not social, or asocial—the correct term for someone who does not like to interact with people. So would it be fair to say that introverts are asocial?
Wrong again.

[plotthickens]

'INTJ'.

[Imagineering]

wise

[Still Standing]

I would go with "unsociable", "solitary", "reserved" and "loner".

[Jalex]

To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

antisocial:

Being anti is not what we are looking for.

I think "introvert" would be the appropriate term here, based on relative needs, rather than absolute lack thereof.

No this would be a major mitake. Introversion and being social are not contradictory. Introversion means only that you need energy to interact. But that doesn't imply you don't like it, not have the desire or can't do it.


Introverts are social when they feel they can get something out of it other than just being social. In my experience, introverts are very rarely social just for the sake of being. They're usually looking for something.

Extraverts are social just to be around people and yap, yap, yap.

And extraverts don't get something out of being social?

Well that's the bad thing about generalizations from personal experience, they are limited. I have known tons of social introverts, in fact the most social person I've met was an introvert. Introverts interact when they feel like it, just as extroverts. It jut happens that extroverts feel more like it more frequently than we do (and not all of them BTW).



a·so·cial (-sshl)
adj.
1. Not social: "Bears are asocial, secretive animals" (David Graber).
2. Avoiding or averse to the society of others; not sociable: "It's not that you're so asocial, but a man who likes people doesn't wind up in the Antarctic" (Saul Bellow).
3. Unable or unwilling to conform to normal standards of social behavior; antisocial: "crime, riots, drug use and other asocial behavior" (Derek Shearer).
4. Inconsiderate of others; self-centered.

OMG....

To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
"a person who is or prefers to be alone, especially one who avoids the company of others"


BINGO :)

I know that the original question is not related with introversion directly, but I think this might help. I'll just write down an excerpt of the book "Introvert Power", from Laurie Helgoe PhD

Although I love Laurie's book I have found the book rather full of errors, stereotypes and above all a very limited view of introversion. For example she doesn't cover social introverts nor shy extroverts and those are HUGE mistakes. She also like to stablish a relation that the introvert like to be alone. That is not true. Some introverts like to be alone, some hate it.

I'd take with caution anything on that book, it is just for a general idea (and not a very good one though).

[jkatra]

Yes, I think "loner" is probably the closest term for what I'm thinking of as a concept. "Asocial" comes close but it still has too many anti-social meanings attached to it.

[Still Standing]

"Asocial" comes close but it still has too many anti-social meanings attached to it.

"Unsociable" doesn't have those negative connotations, however.

[ElstonGunn]

I think just about all of the terms that have come up so far are either not quite accurate or have some kind of negative connotation.

The best terms I can think of as accurate, value-neutral words for people who simply don't typically feel a high and/or frequent need for social interaction (but who aren't all misanthropic about it) would be things like "self-contained" or "reserved," or maybe something unwieldy like, "more of an observer than an interactor."

This is more difficult than I think it should be.

[jkatra]

One of the things that prompted me to ask this question is due to reading about people like John Muir, Everett Ruess, Henry David Thoreau, Thomas Merton, and Christopher McCandless from the book "Into the Wild". They seemed very motivated to spend most of their time alone in the wilderness, but they didn't appear anti-social, avoidant, or shy. In some cases they don't appear to even be introverted since social encounters didn't seem to drain their energy levels. It seems to me that there is still much to learn about non-social tendencies.

[Paul Siraisi]

Loner.

[Allie]

No this would be a major mitake. Introversion and being social are not contradictory.

No contradiction intended, but a matter of degrees of introversion in relation to the need (weak to "strong") for being sociable....

Introversion means only that you need energy to interact. But that doesn't imply you don't like it, not have the desire or can't do it.

See definition:

2: the state of or tendency toward being wholly or predominantly concerned with and interested in one's own mental life. (To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.)

[Hjordis]

"Unsociable" doesn't have those negative connotations, however.I think it does though. To me it sounds more negative than asocial, which sounds neutral.

[Allie]

I think it does though. To me it sounds more negative than asocial, which sounds neutral.

I agree with Still Standing, that unsociable is less negative than asocial. Just to make is easier for jkatra to consider. :devilish: Here are the definitions for distinctions:

Definition of ASOCIAL
a : rejecting or lacking the capacity for social interaction
b : antisocial

Definition of UNSOCIABLE
1: having or showing a disinclination for social activity : solitary, reserved
2: not conducive to sociability

Solitary or reserved are apt as well.

[Humble Bragger]

No contradiction intended, but a matter of degrees of introversion in relation to the need (weak to "strong") for being sociable....



See definition:

2: the state of or tendency toward being wholly or predominantly concerned with and interested in one's own mental life. (To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.)

Each time I read that description I rage. You know who coined that definition? Jung? Nope, fucking Freud that's who. Guy took his past colleagues term and redefined it to explain narcissism. Making introversion sound like egoism; guy didn't even try to be subtle with his bunkum.
Source:To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

I don't understand how that definition is still up since I doubt every empiristical scientist that has ever existed was introverted" in Freuds sense and that would even mean ISXX people wouldn't exist; fucking academia. This term needs to revised since the one's writing the definitions doesn't seem to actually know a wide variety of introverts and probably aren't introvert themselves.

Introvert - someone who draws energy from within and when alone; someone who drains it when socializing and partaking in activities.
The rest of the described traits (thinks before he talks, mostly enjoys leisure activities, prefer to take things slow) are just idiographic results when introverts have been overstimulated, used with cold readings resulting in self-fulfilling prophecies. I have no academic title to back this up just logic.

[Allie]

Each time I read that description I rage. You know who coined that definition? Jung? Nope, fucking Freud that's who. Guy took his past colleagues term and redefined it to explain narcissism. Making introversion sound like egoism; guy didn't even try to be subtle with his bunkum.
Source:To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

I don't understand how that definition is still up since I doubt every empiristical scientist that has ever existed was introverted" in Freuds sense and that would even mean ISXX people wouldn't exist; fucking academia. This term needs to revised since the one's writing the definitions doesn't seem to actually know a wide variety of introverts and probably aren't introvert themselves.

Introvert - someone who draws energy from within and when alone; someone who drains it when socializing and partaking in activities.
The rest of the described traits (thinks before he talks, mostly enjoys leisure activities, prefer to take things slow) are just idiographic results when introverts have been overstimulated, used with cold readings resulting in self-fulfilling prophecies. I have no academic title to back this up just logic.

Once again, words tend to have multiple interpretations and connotations, as they evolve along with changes in society. You may want to focus on one definition as the only one that applies at all times; however, others may disagree.

I take the neutral stance. I do not view introversion automatically as narcisism, nor do I interpret the dictionary definitions in the same light, as you have:

Etymology: (To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.)

introverted
1781, pp. adj. from introvert.

introvert (v.)
1650s (implied in introversion), from L. intro- "inward" + vertere "to turn" (see versus). Introverted (adj.) is from 1781. The noun (opposed to extrovert) is 1918, from Ger. psychology, introduced there by C.G. Jung (1875-1961).

introversion
1650s, of thought or contemplation, from Mod.L. introversionem, noun of action from *introvertere (see introvert). Meaning “tendency to withdraw from the world” is from 1912.

Here are other definitions: (To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.)

1. The act or process of introverting or the condition of being introverted.
2. Psychology The direction of or tendency to direct one's thoughts and feelings toward oneself.

1. (Psychology) Psychol the directing of interest inwards towards one's own thoughts and feelings rather than towards the external world or making social contacts

1. the act of directing one’s interest inward or toward the self.
2. the state of being interested chiefly in one’s own inner thoughts, feelings, and processes.

3. introversion - (psychology) an introverted disposition; concern with one's own thoughts and feelings

internality, inwardness - preoccupation with what concerns human inner nature (especially ethical or ideological values); "Socrates' inwardness, integrity, and inquisitiveness"- H.R.Finch

unsociability, unsociableness - an unsociable disposition; avoiding friendship or companionship

psychological science, psychology - the science of mental life

ambiversion - (psychology) a balanced disposition intermediate between extroversion and introversion

extraversion, extroversion - (psychology) an extroverted disposition; concern with what is outside the self


The main point being, introversion is concerning the tendency towards one's internal/inward processes, thoughts, feelings. Not sure about you, but this is definitely true for me.

Anything else regarding, one's energy is secondary, and as a result of the amount of outside sources or outside social interactions, that interfere with one's own introverted tendencies. That is my take on it.

So, f*ck Freud. :)

[Humble Bragger]

Once again, words tend to have multiple interpretations and connotations, as they evolve along with changes in society. You may want to focus on one definition as the only one that applies at all times; however, others may disagree.

I take the neutral stance. I do not view introversion automatically as narcisism, nor do I interpret the dictionary definitions in the same light, as you have:

Etymology: (To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.)

introverted
1781, pp. adj. from introvert.

introvert (v.)
1650s (implied in introversion), from L. intro- "inward" + vertere "to turn" (see versus). Introverted (adj.) is from 1781. The noun (opposed to extrovert) is 1918, from Ger. psychology, introduced there by C.G. Jung (1875-1961).

introversion
1650s, of thought or contemplation, from Mod.L. introversionem, noun of action from *introvertere (see introvert). Meaning “tendency to withdraw from the world” is from 1912.

Here are other definitions: (To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.)

1. The act or process of introverting or the condition of being introverted.
2. Psychology The direction of or tendency to direct one's thoughts and feelings toward oneself.

1. (Psychology) Psychol the directing of interest inwards towards one's own thoughts and feelings rather than towards the external world or making social contacts

1. the act of directing one’s interest inward or toward the self.
2. the state of being interested chiefly in one’s own inner thoughts, feelings, and processes.

3. introversion - (psychology) an introverted disposition; concern with one's own thoughts and feelings

internality, inwardness - preoccupation with what concerns human inner nature (especially ethical or ideological values); "Socrates' inwardness, integrity, and inquisitiveness"- H.R.Finch

unsociability, unsociableness - an unsociable disposition; avoiding friendship or companionship

psychological science, psychology - the science of mental life

ambiversion - (psychology) a balanced disposition intermediate between extroversion and introversion

extraversion, extroversion - (psychology) an extroverted disposition; concern with what is outside the self


The main point being, introversion is concerning the tendency towards one's internal/inward processes, thoughts, feelings. Not sure about you, but this is definitely true for me.

Anything else regarding, one's energy is secondary, and as a result of the amount of outside sources or outside social interactions, that interfere with one's own introverted tendencies. That is my take on it.

So, f*ck Freud. :)

I guess we have different priorities on what is secondary or not but I do not deny the truth of which your main point holds.

F*ck Freud indeed :cool:

[ElstonGunn]

In some cases they don't appear to even be introverted since social encounters didn't seem to drain their energy levels. It seems to me that there is still much to learn about non-social tendencies.

The psychological energy thing has zero personal resonance with me. I just can't relate to it-- not in either direction. I don't start feeling tired (physically or mentally) after being around people for a long time, and being alone doesn't make me feel more keyed up or anything else that the energy idea would suggest.

It doesn't really make any difference to me whether I'm with people or not. I do different things in each context, and I've always had some balance of each, though. If I had a week with no time alone or a month with no human contact or whatever other hypothetical situation you wanted to use, I might start noticing something different. ...But wouldn't everybody? I think even the most extraverted person in the world would get tired of people if he didn't have a minute of time alone for a whole month. In that sense, just lengthening the time scale doesn't really make it any clearer for me.

[NixonKneivel]

I believe the Spanish term is "Nixon Kneivel".

[timeineternity]

Schizoid... or maybe just 'INTJ'.

[Still Standing]

The psychological energy thing has zero personal resonance with me. I just can't relate to it-- not in either direction. I don't start feeling tired (physically or mentally) after being around people for a long time, and being alone doesn't make me feel more keyed up or anything else that the energy idea would suggest.

Same here. I don't need a lot of interaction with people and I hate superficial conversation with a whole bunch of people at the same time, so I'm definitely not extroverted, but spending time with people doesn't tire me out either. I've given up a long time ago on finding the "right" definition for introversion because it seems that it pretty much depends on who you're talking to and which "social scientist" has the most influence in getting their idea across. Same goes for the word "love", which means different things to different people.

[Humble Bragger]

The psychological energy thing has zero personal resonance with me. I just can't relate to it-- not in either direction. I don't start feeling tired (physically or mentally) after being around people for a long time, and being alone doesn't make me feel more keyed up or anything else that the energy idea would suggest.

It doesn't really make any difference to me whether I'm with people or not. I do different things in each context, and I've always had some balance of each, though. If I had a week with no time alone or a month with no human contact or whatever other hypothetical situation you wanted to use, I might start noticing something different. ...But wouldn't everybody? I think even the most extraverted person in the world would get tired of people if he didn't have a minute of time alone for a whole month. In that sense, just lengthening the time scale doesn't really make it any clearer for me.Same here. I don't need a lot of interaction with people and I hate superficial conversation with a whole bunch of people at the same time, so I'm definitely not extroverted, but spending time with people doesn't tire me out either. I've given up a long time ago on finding the "right" definition for introversion because it seems that it pretty much depends on who you're talking to and which "social scientist" has the most influence in getting their idea across. Same goes for the word "love", which means different things to different people.


Now this is an eye-opener for me. How much did you score on the I/E continuum? If you're not ambiverted as I suspect I'll take back my definition. What would you guys say you have (that are generally considered as) introvert traits?

[Still Standing]

Now this is an eye-opener for me. How much did you score on the I/E continuum? If you're not ambiverted as I suspect I'll take back my definition. What would you guys say you have (that are generally considered as) introvert traits?

I'm about 80% I.

Copied from myersbriggs.org:

Introversion (I)
I like getting my energy from dealing with the ideas, pictures, memories, and reactions that are inside my head, in my inner world. I often prefer doing things alone or with one or two people I feel comfortable with. I take time to reflect so that I have a clear idea of what I’ll be doing when I decide to act. Ideas are almost solid things for me. Sometimes I like the idea of something better than the real thing.

The following statements generally apply to me:


I am seen as “reflective” or “reserved.”
I feel comfortable being alone and like things I can do on my own.
I prefer to know just a few people well.
I sometimes spend too much time reflecting and don’t move into action quickly enough.
I sometimes forget to check with the outside world to see if my ideas really fit the experience.


So there, a Myers-Briggs site stating basically that introverts LIKE spending time alone, not that they get all tired out from socializing.

[Humble Bragger]

I'm about 80% I.

Copied from myersbriggs.org:



So there, a Myers-Briggs site stating basically that introverts LIKE spending time alone, not that they get all tired out from socializing.

So you have the preferences but not the inhibitions of an introvert. I am amazed, I have never met any introverts like that. Wonder if introverts capable of being overstimulated are just "Highly Sensitive People" (To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.).

[Still Standing]

So you have the preferences but not the inhibitions of an introvert. I am amazed, I have never met any introverts like that.

I believe the whole MBTI is about preferences (see above in the description of "introversion", which uses the statements "I like", "I feel comfortable", "I prefer", etc.), not strengths and weaknesses. But of course, most people prefer to do what they're good at.

Wonder if introverts capable of being overstimulated are just "Highly Sensitive People" (To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.).

What makes you suggest this?

[Humble Bragger]

I believe the whole MBTI is about preferences (see above in the description of "introversion", which uses the statements "I like", "I feel comfortable", "I prefer", etc.), not strengths and weaknesses. But of course, most people prefer to do what they're good at.



What makes you suggest this?

Yes, I know the test is about preferences but after reading books on introversion, talking to introverts on forums and irl I did see (what was supposedly standard) patterns in strengths/weaknesses; guess it was just confirmation bias and lack of empiristic evidence.

Because the theory as to why introverts become overstimulated is (besides having alot of bloodflow to the brain thus making it generally sensitive and they being sensitive to dopamine which can exude during activity) they process information longer, deeper and thats why external stimuli overstimulates them since they are already so internally active; just like Highly Sensitive People.

HSP ratios of introverts/extraverts are supposedly 60/30 %. If that is true it could explain why you guys, who doesn't seem to have the same over-arousal in your brain cortex, are not as represented in science, media and in general.

[Autumnleaf]

wise

The is my first and last thought too. I think wise people tend to see little reason to socialize unless it is to get information or to meet that 'once in a blue moon' need. I think there is something to the wise old hermit legends.

As for antisocial, I think those are psychopaths or attention seekers.

[reckful]

No contradiction intended, but a matter of degrees of introversion in relation to the need (weak to "strong") for being sociable....



See definition:

2: the state of or tendency toward being wholly or predominantly concerned with and interested in one's own mental life. (To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.)

Each time I read that description I rage. You know who coined that definition? Jung? Nope, fucking Freud that's who. Guy took his past colleagues term and redefined it to explain narcissism. Making introversion sound like egoism; guy didn't even try to be subtle with his bunkum.
Source:To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

I don't understand how that definition is still up since I doubt every empiristical scientist that has ever existed was introverted" in Freuds sense and that would even mean ISXX people wouldn't exist; fucking academia. This term needs to revised since the one's writing the definitions doesn't seem to actually know a wide variety of introverts and probably aren't introvert themselves.

Introvert - someone who draws energy from within and when alone; someone who drains it when socializing and partaking in activities.
The rest of the described traits (thinks before he talks, mostly enjoys leisure activities, prefer to take things slow) are just idiographic results when introverts have been overstimulated, used with cold readings resulting in self-fulfilling prophecies. I have no academic title to back this up just logic.

I'm not a Freud fan either, but it sounds like you might not be much happier with Jung's views on introversion than Freud's.

When we consider the course of human life, we see how the fate of [the extravert] is determined more by the objects of his interest, while [the fate of the introvert] is determined more by his own inner self, by the subject.

The introvert ... is as though in continual retreat before the object. He holds aloof from external happenings [and] has a distinct dislike of society as soon as he finds himself among too many people. ... What he does, he does in his own way, barricading himself against influences from outside. ... His better qualities he keeps to himself, and generally does everything he can to dissemble them. ... His apprehensiveness of the object is not due to fear, but to the fact that it seems to him negative, demanding, overpowering or even menacing. He therefore ... surrounds himself with a barbed wire entanglement so dense and impenetrable that finally he himself would rather do anything than sit behind it. He confronts the world with an elaborate defensive system compounded of scrupulosity, pedantry, frugality, cautiousness, painful conscientiousness, stiff-lipped rectitude, politeness, and open-eyed distrust. ... Finally only those things are accepted which, for various subjective reasons, he can turn to his own account.

For him self-communings are a pleasure. His own world is a safe harbour, a carefully tended and walled-in garden, closed to the public and hidden from prying eyes. ... He feels at home in his world, where the only changes are made by himself. ...

His relations with other people become warm only when safety is guaranteed, and when he can lay aside his defensive distrust. All too often he cannot, and consequently the number of friends and acquaintances is very restricted. Thus the psychic life of this type is played out wholly within.

...

The world and men are for him a disturbance and a danger, affording no valid standard by which he could ultimately orient himself. What alone is valid for him is his subjective world, which he sometimes believes, in moments of delusion, to be the objective one. We could easily charge these people with the worst kind of subjectivism, indeed with morbid individualism, if it were certain beyond a doubt that only one objective world existed. But this truth, if such it be, is not axiomatic; it is merely a half truth, the other half of which is the fact that the world also is as it is seen by human beings, and in the last resort by the individual. ... The appeal to the subject therefore has the same validity as the appeal to the so-called objective world, for it is grounded on psychic reality itself.

[Mendi the ISFJ]

There are various terms in psychology and culture that describe people who have non-social tendencies. For example:

Introvert: someone who needs to sometimes be away from others in order to re-charge their energy level.

Shy: discomfort, fear or lack of confidence in association with others.

Avoidant personality disorder: often consider themselves to be socially inept or personally unappealing, and avoid social interaction for fear of being ridiculed, humiliated, rejected, or disliked.

Sociopath: behavior is antisocial and who lacks a sense of moral responsibility or social conscience.

Is there a term that only describes someone who doesn’t have a strong need to be social? Introverts for example might need to re-charge their energy level after being social, but they still might desire to be social in the first place.

i just googled Avoidant personality disorder and its hitting close to home although its a little drastic to avoid everyone.

[plink]

I think if your desire to avoid socializing is extreme, it would be schizoid personality disorder.

[ElstonGunn]

Now this is an eye-opener for me. How much did you score on the I/E continuum? If you're not ambiverted as I suspect I'll take back my definition. What would you guys say you have (that are generally considered as) introvert traits?

Depends on the test. The Humanmetrics test is 100 percent sure that I'm an introvert, but that test doesn't measure strength-of-preference at all. The few tests I've taken that actually do measure the preference in a useable way always put me at being very introverted, like at least 80 percent.

As far as traits go, I'm generally reserved. I don't particularly like social interaction for its own sake. I'm frequently at a loss for things to say to people, unless the conversation happens to wander into something that interests me (I don't often steer the conversation toward things that I want to talk about, partly because "what I want to talk about" is usually an empty list). The more people there are in a group, the less I talk. I usually prefer being alone over being in social situations. I can go for a really long time without any substantive social interaction, and also pretty long with literally no interaction at all.

Despite all that, interacting with people doesn't tire me out, mentally or physically.

[dachoppa]

I would go with introvert.

I dislike when people use the terms introvert and antisocial interchangeably. I associate the word antisocial with sociopaths, not with being introverted.

[mastermind23]

Some introverts like to be alone, some hate it.

I doubt that any introverts hate being alone.