Reply #25: I'm introverted and I know what you mean

[Nikia]

It seems that modern America rewards those who aer good at making a lot of aquaintance, who they care little about, so they have no problems manipulating them if necessary. That is the way of business and getting what you want in life. I would say that things have gotten increasingly difficult for introverts. Modern America is not set up long term communities, long time relationships and friendships, long term jobs with a single company, and long term memberships in groups. We are made to feel all alone and the only way to bridge that gap is our own initiative, initiative that must be taken constantly if we are to thrive.
The type of introvert that I'm speaking about is not the complete loner, but rather the person that cultivates long term friendships and other relationships, which are fewer in number but stronger in quality, who doesn't need to talk all the time or be socially perfect because their community knows them. In a more long term community setting, being an introvert like this was considered a strength. The introvert might not have become the leader, but was a trusted person who could be depended upon and was valued.
One could say that it was necessary for American society to become that way and that change is good. Ask yourself though why there has been such an increase in anxiety and depression in the recent past. Ask yourself why these disorders are less common in new immigrants, poor as they may be, compared to immigrants who have been here 10 years or more.