Do you find social media networking exhausting or energizing? Does talking about yourself make you feel pretentious? It does me.

When I first started using Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, it made me uncomfortable. I don’t like talking about myself — and the last thing I want to do is waste people’s time by talking about the minutia of my life.  I have read too many posts from people talking about what they ate, how many push-ups they did or how smart they think they are.

When I do have time to myself, the thought of sharing that time with people on social media simply zaps my energy. I would rather go for a walk in the woods by myself. Let’s face it — I am an introvert and social media is pushing the limits of my comfort zone.

As described by psychologist Carl Jung, introversion refers to the tendency of some people to draw energy from their inner world. If you’re an introvert you understand why social media may initially feel uncomfortable. Your focus is inward — on ideas and reflection — and you typically seek solitude to recharge your batteries.  To an introvert, engaging in social media can feel like going to a party filled with strangers and having to talk to every one of them — a situation most introverts will avoid.

So what’s an introvert to do, given the fact that social media is more ubiquitous than the Kardashians?  First of all, relax and be yourself. Think of social media as a virtual cocktail party that doesn’t require you say a thing.  You don’t have to talk about yourself or what you’re doing.

In fact, on some platforms (and even at a cocktail party) that’s bad form. Nobody likes to sit and listen to someone blather on and on about themselves. So listen to others first and then contribute if you have something to add to the conversation. After all, introverts are great listeners – and social media is more about listening than telling.

Pick a social media application that works for you. Start with the one you’re most comfortable with and then expand to others. I made the mistake of dabbling in a few, tried to participate in too many, and ended up not being engaged in any of them. I’ve learned from my mistakes — I have recently re-committed to using two that fit my personality — Twitter and LinkedIn.

Social media networking plays to the strengths of an introvert by giving us the opportunity to take the time and think about what we want to say before we say it.  After all, you should always compose your thoughts before speaking, or writing.  Introverts tend to be original thinkers, so be a thoughtful contributor.