Do you think introversion and extroversion are genetically based ? I just received an update...

Graylight · 51-55, F

On Ancestry (I believe), they're comparing it to any other known possible DNA matches (I'm swimming in the ocean of genealogy myself) and the way they answer questions.

But yes, research indicates some absolutely have a penchant for introversion. This is seen in the same areas of the brain that also affect addiction, ADHD and some other conditions (which is not to imply a causal relationship). It just seems some people simply tend to isolate, and typically without any adverse consequences. They do what works for them just as social butterflies do what they do.

bowman81 · M

That just tells me the Ancestry is batting 50/50. If they would have checked your younger sis they would have got it wrong.
Are personality traits due to nature or nurture? My guess is the nurture is at least as importan.

DragonFruit · 70-79, M

Despite having the same DNA source as our siblings, there will be variations in the composition of our DNA (unless we're identical twins).
My younger brother is bald, while I have a full head of hair.
He's about a foot taller than our youngest sister.
He's an extrovert and I'm an introvert.
Considering the many differences in actual genetic makeup among siblings, it might factor into whether a particular person is an introvert or an extrovert.

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hartfire · 61-69

I believe genetics strongly influence personality, but so do other factors. How the parents behave towards others in their social circle, birth order of siblings, family communication styles, school experiences, cultural expression and the neighbourhood all have their effects.
Genes are a complex mix and can recombine in many ways within one family.

SunshineGirl · 36-40, F

I would imagine that introversion is innate, whereas extroversion probably has to be learned. So that was a fairly obvious statement. I have three sisters and we are all very different in the ways in which we present ourselves publicly.

YoMomma ·

I never hear of that.. i always presumed it was an environmental thing like how people around them treated them and valued their opinions or not..

Abstraction · 61-69, M

So... Did they base their indication on your ancestry, or your genes? Because you have identical ancestry as your sister, but not identical DNA. They have your sample, not hers.

Starcrossed · 41-45, F

Probably some genetics or brain shape would influence personality, but I think nurture over nature contributes more to that personality attribute.

SubstantialKick · 36-40, M

My dad's family has historically been the quiet and introverted side, which is where I most likely got it from.

SW-User

More nurture than nature.

Madmonk · M

Absolutely

fun4us2b · M

My mom was and extrovert, and my dad an introvert...I'm somewhere in between....so yeah!

GermanAf · 26-30, M

My entire family on both sides is very extroverted with the exception of one of my uncles. I have seen this man once and my parents told me he's weird and a loner... Hmmmmm...

uncalled4 · 56-60, M

It makes sense. My ex-wife was adopted, but we found her biological family. They did not know each other at all for the first 25 years, but she looks like them, walks like them, etc., right down to the weird way she liked to hang pictures on walls slightly crooked...her biological mom did that, too. It was creepy.

To me, it's 80/20 nature vs. nurture...or even more so.

LordShadowfire · 46-50, M

I think to some extent, it is, but we can't forget that genes mutate. I personally think that introversion is a dominant gene, whereas extroversion is a recessive gene. It's the only way to explain how two extroverted parents can have an introverted kid from a genetic standpoint.

MethDozer · M

It can be both a combination of nurture and nature.