Why is there a social stigma on shy or introverted people?

[Kara]

Not all shy or introverted people are weird or bad in anyway. Why do they have such a negative stigma? As if being social means your are completely normal on all levels. I just do not understand what it has to do with any situation whether good or bad to bring up the fact that peole are shy or introverts. For example, if someone commits a crime or offense what does it matter if they were social or not? Who cares? It just makes peolple like me who is a shy introvert seem like a bad or weird person when in reality I feel I have more sense than many people who are considered socail. I am simply shy and happy I do not care much to try hard to get people to like me or fit in because it is not my priority. I just want to know why people see being shy as a bad thing. I would rather be shy than obnoxiously social or fake. Sometimes I do like to be left alone not in a weird way I am just happy with or without people. I know a lot of antisocial people commit murders or crimes and they are known to the media as being social outkasts but I seem to notice more social people commiting crimes than introverts or antisocial people. Why is it more or a shock? I just hate being placed in a weird category especially when I am like the nicest down to earth person you will ever meet just shy and reserved. ; )

[Alex]

This is an area of my expertise. Im the exact same way, i can live with or without people, and people don't seem to be able to even comprehend how that works so they will just label you wrongly. If its not your priority to be social then don't be. You don't have to conform to the world and the world doesn't have to conform to you.
As far as the social stigma, its something of a mix of the complete in-fathomable idea of being anti-social/reserved, and the way that the media portrays people who are this way, as weird, and unacceptable monsters. Ignore it and shape your world to how you want it to be, whether it be with or without people. Its up to you.

[Candy]

There is a major difference between the term "asocial" or "antisocial" that refers to a person who is prejudicial to the social fiber and the community (insurgent, defiant, unlawful, rebellious, generally a criminal or delinquent = emotionally/mentally challenged) ill adjusted individual who causes social division and instability; Dict. social misfit, socially maladjusted person.

and a "solitary" person who coud be a perfectly balanced individual, fully respectful of social conventions and the social order, who poses no threat to the social fiber and social stability, just enjoys being alone.

The terms "asocial" or "antisocial" do not refer to preferring spending a lot of time alone, they refer to individuals who don't respect social rules and conventions. Asocial behaviour is usually connected to criminal, delinquent behaviour, as well as different mental challenges.

It's a blessing that some people are willing to treat and find a cure for mental and emotional issues.

[Jody]

There's no social stigma against shyness or introversion.

Shyness is seen as a "neutral" personality trait. Some people see it as a very sweet or innocent trait.

There's a big difference between having being pathologically antisocial and being shy/introverted. Antisocial's don't have compassion or empathy, shy people do.

Antisocials have a pervasive pattern of violation of the rights of others and are irritable and aggressive - doesn't apply to you.

Antisocials are deceptive con artists that refuse to take responsibility for their actions and themselves - that's not you.

You're being overly sensitive - antisocial does not apply to you, not even in the same category.

[MahaliaMAY]

I am quiet sometimes very. I am not shy though i'm always labelled shy - sometimes it's as simple as not feeling like talking. We all have stigma..even the loud, out there personalities are thought to be outgoing and confident..more often than not, they're just the opposite. People see what they see and label it in their brains to make sense of it..it needs to be filed somewhere. It sits there until proven wrong. The more the label is proven correct, the more solidified it becomes. In addition to media influences really putting the nail in the coffin..voila we have stigma..LOL if that made sense....don't work yourself up over it, who cares..