An Introvert's Guide to Online Introductions for University Students
As an introvert, it can be hard to find the right way to integrate yourself into conversations. While online might not be as exhausting as in-person, you’re still giving a large portion of your energy to engage with people.
So how should an introvert engage in introductions and communications with multiple potential friends online, especially in the time of Covid-19 when online communication is all there is?
Join Facebook Groups
In high school, Facebook may have only been a place of cringy posts from your extended relatives. However, in University it is the all-in-one place where you can connect with classmates, learn about events, join clubs, and engage with your newfound University community. On Facebook, you'll find groups specific to your University, faculty, course, and interests. Join them all!
A Friend of A Friend
First and foremost, find out if you have friends or a friend of a friend in the group. If the group is on Facebook, as most are likely to be, then this is a pretty simple process, but if not, it might take some snooping. This is the first step because introducing yourself as “So-and-So’s friend” is a lot easier on the nerves than introducing yourself outright to someone new.
If you do have a Friend of a Friend then, odds are, they will probably be interested in connecting with you too. It’s much easier to connect pre-existing friends groups than it is to create a brand new friend group.
Group Discussions
Group discussions are a great place to jump in and find new people and see who you click with. Watch how the conversations begin to unwind and try to jump into one. These conversations are started to get to know others so they want more people in them.
Start with something small, such as if someone asks where everyone is from. If you don’t see someone post your hometown, then post it yourself. It’s a small step but if someone from your hometown or is interested in your hometown then it’ll jump-start a conversation.
If you do see your hometown mentioned, then try to say “same” or “me too”, your response doesn’t need to be a novel, it just needs to let the other person know you’re open to conversations. Try your best to contribute to discussions in threads, it might take a while to get completely comfortable but it’s worth it to make some friends.
Take it to the DMs
If you’re nervous about talking on a public platform with multiple conversations happening around you, then try taking it to the DMs. Moving into a one-on-one space can be comforting. But it’s important to try not to feel pressured to immediately respond.
DMs are a place of a single or small group connection so use that to your advantage. No one will interrupt you, and you will have this person to yourself in this space, and that can make all the difference in keeping your energy up.
How you introduce yourself to a group of people is all about how much you’re willing to put yourself out there. Try different methods and see what works for you but you most likely will have to make the leap and start a conversation.
Don’t wait for someone to come to you. Go to them.
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