People use the term antisocial to refer to people who don’t want to be around others. That’s somewhat accurate but isn’t the first use of the term. Technically, being antisocial is a personality disorder marked by a lack of ability to internalize social norms. Antisocial is synonymous with sociopathy. People with an antisocial personality disorder have no regard for what is considered right or wrong socially, nor do they feel guilt or remorse when doing something socially unacceptable.
If you tend to prefer to be alone that doesn’t mean you are antisocial. It means you prefer to be alone. It’s important to differentiate between being shy, being independent, and/or being an introvert against being antisocial.
Many of the criminals behind heinous crimes have a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder. This means that their behaviors include
- Lack of empathy
- Disregard for the value of human life
- Lack of remorse for crimes
Frankly, their care button is turned off. They are unable to feel the same feelings of guilt, shame, and remorse that most people do when they offend or hurt others. This is what makes them antisocial, not their desire to be alone.
If you know people who prefer to be alone or avoid groups, you may feel inclined to call them antisocial, but you may be using the wrong label. Most people who avoid groups aren’t doing it because they don’t like other people. They are likely avoidant because they are introverts, have anxiety, socially awkward, or feel shy.
If you are someone who loves to be alone or in small groups, you are likely not antisocial in the truest definition, you simply enjoy smaller groups. Don’t get caught up in the term or feel it needs to be used to describe your preferences.
Sometimes terms are misused to describe a group of people. Being antisocial is often misused to describe people who don’t thrive in social settings. Knowing there is a difference between being antisocial or against society and preferring not to be too social helps differentiate between the two.
Try avoiding the using the term antisocial when describing yourself or those you know who are less social. It may not be the best way to describe them and could label them unfairly. Also, avoid using it to describe yourself if you’d rather avoid large groups. Just because you like more intimate settings, it doesn’t mean you are against society or lack the social skills needed to be an active member of a group.
