Shyness vs social phobia, what's the difference?

Shyness and social phobia are often confused with because they are characterized by a tendency to avoid any situation that makes you feel awkward or nervous. However, these two things are in fact very different and contradictory. What is the difference? So that you are no longer mistaken, consider the following explanation.

What's the difference between shyness and social phobia?

One of the things that most differentiates between shyness and social phobia is the understanding. Shyness is a trait or characteristic characterized by a tendency to feel awkward, worried, anxious, or nervous during social interactions, especially with strangers or new acquaintances. Shyness can also be said to be a person who tends to worry about how other people think of him, and tends to withdraw from social interactions.

Meanwhile, social phobia, aka social anxiety disorder, is a chronic psychiatric problem. Social phobia is characterized by extreme fear and anxiety beyond normal limits that arise due to daily social interactions.

Shame is a normal human feeling or emotion and can come and go. A simple example of being shy is the feeling of awkwardness or embarrassment shown by young children when meeting adults they have never met. Young children tend to be more silent and cling to their parents. However, after playing and getting to know the person more deeply, small children will begin to familiarize themselves.

In contrast to social phobia. Phobias are mental illnesses or disorders, which is officially recognized by the world of medicine and psychiatry. Symptoms of social phobia tend to be persistent and can persist for a long time.

Almost everyone in the world has experienced shame at least once in a lifetime. However, not everyone has social phobia. Not everyone who is shy has social phobia. Someone who has social phobia is also not necessarily shy.

The difference between shy people and those who have social phobia

Apart from the definitions and meanings, here are some further differences between shyness and social phobia:

• Shame is a natural human emotion, trait, or instinct. Social anxiety disorder is a mental condition in which a person is disturbed. That is, social phobia is unnatural.
• Shy people are usually more picky, but are still willing to participate in social activities. While people with phobias will try hard to avoid all kinds of activities that involve many people.
• Social anxiety disorder can cause a variety of negative emotions, such as fear and anxiety. These negative thoughts will continue to linger on them for longer, even for weeks. While, Shy people don't always think negatively.
• Symptoms of social anxiety disorder can be very disruptive to everyday life. Even just talking to the cashier at the grocery store is so difficult that it requires medical treatment from a doctor. While shy people only show their character in certain situations, it can ease up on their own and be controlled, it can also be eliminated by building self-confidence.