Is being extremely introverted to the point of speaking only in response to others considered negative in Islam?

Introvert
Is being extremely introverted to the point of speaking only in response to others considered negative in Islam?
Amina Inloes, Amina Inloes is originally from the US and has a PhD in Islamic Studies from the University of Exeter on Shi'a hadith. She is the program leader for the MA Islamic Studies program at the... Answered 1 year ago

Allah creates everyone differently, and we are not expected to be identical to each other.

Islamic practices contain an introspective element and a communal element.

Psychologically, to become a holistic person, it is good to balance one's primary tendency. So, if a person is introverted, it is good for them to develop their extroverted side. If a person is extroverted, it is good for them to develop their quiet side.

Islamic practices can help with that (for instance, in the case of introverts, attending communal prayers).

The Prophet (S) modelled both - for instance, he spent time alone in Ghar Hira, but he had a large family and took on a community leadership role. 

Islamically, it is good to be able to fulfill one's social obligations (whatever they may be) and interact politely with others on a day to day basis. It is recommended to perform certain communal practices, but it is not necessary to socialize extensively. 

However, cultures vary in terms of whether they value extroversion or introversion. For instance, most Arab cultures encourage extroversion. British culture supports introversion. So, sometimes one has to be practical and adapt to the environment.

I am personally quite introverted by nature. However, practising Islam (which I have done since the age of 14) has pushed me to interact with a variety of people in ways that I wouldn't have otherwise. Overall, I think this was beneficial for me in terms of helping me develop more as a person. However, everyone is different!

Apart from inborn tendencies towards introversion, since the pandemic, more people are also suffering social anxiety (or, at least, more people openly admit to social anxiety). Also, in general, in places where people interact more using social media/texts, there is sometimes more discomfort with in-person socializing, especially among the younger generation who grew up with these things. So if these are the case, it can be helpful to work with or acknowledge these things. (They may or may not be the case for you, but I am putting them out there in general.)

In any case, it is a blessing to be able to enjoy one's own company!