We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is the Connection Between Shyness and Social Anxiety?

By B. Schreiber
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 4,452
Share

Shyness and social anxiety describe thoughts and emotions that result in similar behaviors, but may or may not have harmful effects on a person's life or well-being. Shyness can range from occasional inhibition in new social settings to such anxiety that a person avoids typical social behavior, such as work and relationships. While social anxiety is sometimes used in an informal way to describe shyness, it also describes a disorder that can have damaging effects on a person's life. People with social anxiety disorder are more likely to avoid social settings than those with mild shyness. Someone who is shy may not have social anxiety, and someone who has social anxiety is not necessarily shy either.

Shyness is not always associated with anxiety and is seen by some as a positive personality trait. Social anxiety is associated with the bodily changes that result from the flight or fight response, imagining the worst that could happen, and behaviors like only going to familiar places. While they are different, shyness and social anxiety probably have similar causes, including genetics, environmental factors like upbringing, and the biochemical differences responsible for other mental health disorders. Often people with shyness and social anxiety both respond to therapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy.

One difference between shyness and social anxiety is that, while shyness is often thought of as part of a person's personality, social anxiety can be a disorder that requires treatment. In the latter case, social anxiety can have a damaging effect on work and developing or maintaining relationships. That's because it can cause someone with the condition to avoid situations in which she might be expected to speak in a work meeting or meet new people. In more severe cases, someone may choose to only work night jobs, drop out of school, or even remain unemployed. Treatment for social anxiety disorder can greatly reduce counterproductive behaviors and allow people with the condition to lead fuller lives.

The terms shyness and social anxiety are sometimes used interchangeably, but some people with social anxiety don't describe or think of themselves as shy. For example, a person with social anxiety may have no trouble talking with fellow coworkers but might pass up a promotion because it requires an interview for the position. The fear of being judged or criticized in an interview could cause so much anxiety that the person avoids the situation and declines the promotion.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By anon1001119 — On Mar 10, 2019

one semester shy of graduating i dropped out bc i had to do a power point presentation. i regret it tremendously now but back then i felt like id faint at the podium. cowardly i suppose. i shouldve challenged myself in spite of the consequences. but the risks outweighed the benefits. i also feel bad about that still but i forgive myself notwithstanding.

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-the-connection-between-shyness-and-social-anxiety.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.