Discussion: That little big difference: Asocial vs Anti-social.

Sunderland 4ever

Did you know the difference?

Quote:

Originally posted by Anti depressant

We should really educate the masses on this particular subject. I am not accusing many of you of being asocial or antisocial... but someone who is asocial likes isolation whereas someone who is antisocial wants to strike at symbols of society with maybe not violence but with violence, words, or deeds.

Quote:

Asocial and antisocial are often used interchangeably in colloquial speech, but they are not the same thing; asocial means "avoidant of society" while antisocial means "hostile toward society".http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/asocial

So, if you say you are anti social to someone that means that you are against being social. But if you are asocial you are secluded and to yourself pretty much. That's the true definition of the term.

I just thought I'd clear a few things up for you guys/girls so you can better research your conditions. I knew I used to be confused on this subject thinking I was anti social when I was really asocial.

The term confuses other people and me included. So... stop me if you already heard this one before, but, hopefully it's helpful.

http://www.socialanxietysupport.com/...social-162039/

I understood the difference two years ago, so I was like him on the last two small paragraphs he wrote. Were you?

Achilles.

So if I'm opposed to being social and I'm often secluded, am I both asocial and anti-social?

(Cole)

Quote:

Originally posted by JakeKills

So if I'm opposed to being social and I'm often secluded, am I both asocial and anti-social?

I think a good way to look at the difference between asocial and antisocial is through the "personality disorders" (I despise that term) which are defined by those two things, albeit at extreme levels....

Avoidant Personality Disorder (Asocial):

Quote:

characterized by a pervasive pattern of social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, extreme sensitivity to negative evaluation, and avoidance of social interaction.

Anti-Social Personality Disorder:

Quote:

characterized by antagonism to sociable instincts or practices and...a pervasive pattern of disregard for, and violation of, the rights of others that begins in childhood or early adolescence and continues into adulthood.

The Knowledge

Interesting. Thanks for clearing that up Sunderland.

Sunderland 4ever

Quote:

Originally posted by JakeKills

So if I'm opposed to being social and I'm often secluded, am I both asocial and anti-social?

The prefix 'a' means 'with no presence of something'. The prefix 'anti' means 'against something'. An anti-social person is against all established social rules therefore against socializing. An asocial person, however, shows no interest whatsoever on socializing, not necessarily making him/her against socializing.

bleuwaffle

So I'm asocial

D/X

It doesn't matter, I'm both anyways.

Thanks for sharing this info.

mermaid_ariel

I'm asocial.

Is that a good thing or bad thing?

Sunderland 4ever

Quote:

Originally posted by mermaid_ariel

I'm asocial.

Is that a good thing or bad thing?

I guess you gave yourself the answer with the sad face on your post. It's way better than being anti-social if you ask me.

MrDeeds

Quote:

Originally posted by mermaid_ariel

I'm asocial.

Is that a good thing or bad thing?

Sounds bad

keshaspearsxo

oh ok. i think i know what you mean.

caleb.

I guess I'm neither then

just some awkward guy