

Can Extroverts Have Social Anxiety? ft Dr. Ali Mattu
64 snips Jun 16, 2025
Dr. Ali Mattu, a clinical psychologist specializing in anxiety, shines in this conversation. He explores the surprising connection between extroversion and social anxiety, debunking the myth that extroverts are free from such fears. The discussion dives into how societal perceptions misunderstand personality traits and discusses strategies for managing performance anxiety in social settings. Dr. Mattu emphasizes the importance of embracing social discomfort as a path to personal growth, encouraging listeners to start small and navigate their social challenges.
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Extroversion vs Introversion Defined
- Extroversion means gaining pleasure from external stimuli, not just liking people.
- Introversion relates to finding enjoyment more from internal or solitary experiences.
Neuroscience of Extroversion
- Extroverts need higher levels of external stimulation to activate their brains.
- They also require more sensory input to trigger dopamine responses that bring pleasure.
Extroverted Social Anxiety Explained
- Extroverted socially anxious people crave high-stimulation environments yet avoid social situations requiring performance.
- They enjoy places like Times Square without pressure but fear judgment in social interactions.