The central dimension of human personality

This project is an attempt to create something beautiful and organic by modeling (and perhaps critiquing) the interaction between introverts and extraverts.

From Wikipedia

The trait of extraversion-introversion is a central dimension of human personality. Extraverts (also spelled extroverts) tend to be gregarious, assertive, and interested in seeking out excitement. Introverts, in contrast, tend to be more reserved, less outgoing, and less sociable. They are not necessarily loners but they tend to have smaller circles of friends and are less likely to thrive on making new social contacts. Introverts are less likely to seek stimulation from others because their own thoughts and imagination are stimulating enough. A common misconception is that all introverts suffer from social anxiety or shyness. Introversion does not describe social discomfort but rather social preference. An introvert may not be shy at all but may merely prefer non social or less social activities.


One of the best things I did for myself was understand my tendency towards introversion. It’s a world dominated by extraverts, not necessarily in numbers but in social influence. For those interested, I highly recommend this column. One interesting point is that the natural behavior of extraverts lead them to dominate public life. I don’t believe this is anyone’s fault; it’s just how it plays out.

To convey this point, I modeled introverts and extraverts, letting them interact and roam free.

Modeling Behavior

Each “being” has a set of random genes. Extraverts tend to move more while introverts take smaller steps. After a “meeting period” (basically when two beings are nearby for a set amount of time), the two beings learn each other’s genes. Then, the two beings develop an attraction or repulsion; the forces can be different for each. Extraverts are more likely to develop an attraction while introverts develop stronger bonds with the ones they are attracted to. Also, introverts are more likely to be repulsed by other beings.

I modeled this behavior based more or less on myself (and therefore how I believe introverts interact). I am usually hesitant to explore and meet new people. The people I like I treasure a lot, but these number relatively few. I usually prefer alone time to time with acquaintances or people I don’t find particularly special (in my opinion).

The results were as expected with very minor tweaking. Because the extraverts are likely to develop more social relationships and introverts likely to distance themselves, the extraverts tend to dominate the heart of the social scene.


Continuing with my experimentation with openFrameworks, I found oF did everything needed for this project. Because Processing has been around, it has significantly more libraries, many immensely useful. However, for projects without external components, I find developing in openFrameworks none slower and I also assume C++ gives it a significant runtime advantage.

See also my quick sketch which led to this visual form.

Relevant/Process Videos

  • Mattt Thompson

    Stunning visuals, dude. Makes me wonder if the domination of extraversion holds over in the digital realm as well. Seems that with the rise of the social media equivalent of barking into the darkness, an introvert like myself can gain a pretty even footing.

  • Paul

    Agreed, the internet is a total win for introverts. It's filled with content (both good and bad) for consumption. And it's more or less noncommittal; you interact when you want to and have time to digest and organize your thoughts.