Taylor's University - FNBE 0414 Social Psychology Journal #01

1. Foundation in Natural & Built Environments
(FNBE March-April 2014 Intake: Semester 2)
PSYC 30203: Social Psychology
Assignment #01: Individual Journal
Completed by:
Natalie Ki
(0318918)

2. Asocial behavior, which is the lack of interest and motivation in engaging in social interaction or preference to
solitary activities are becoming more common within our time. Other words to describe asocial behavior are
“non-social” and “social disinterest” and are common traits in introverts. It is not necessarily considered a
negative trait, but at its extreme, can lead to social anxiety and depression.
In this essay, I explore an example of asocial behavior that is displayed in the picture that I have drawn. The
picture depicts a girl, who sits alone with her knees curled up, having her back turned away from a group of
people around her age who are together, interacting, smiling and enjoying each other’s company. This image
portrays asocial behavior because the girl, who, despite having a group of people willing to interact with her,
has chosen to remain by herself. This suggests asocial behavior as she is uninterested to communicate with them
and preferred to remain in isolation.
The root of asocial behavior is grouped with ‘anti-social’ behavior, since it goes against natural human instinct
of interaction, but differs in the sense that the latter usually implies antagonistic feelings towards people or
social interaction whilst asocial behavior is the avoidance of it. Psychologically, asocial behavior can be caused
by the concept “negative biasness”. The concept of negative biasness comes from someone who is more
pessimistic than optimistic; as a result, they are more sentient towards negative thoughts. The reason for
negative biasness usually comes from insecurity and fear of threat, whether emotional or physical. One who is
negative towards failure of social interaction or threatened by the vulnerability of opening up to others tend to
be asocial in order to “protect” themselves. By avoiding contact with others, they lessen the risk of rejection or
harm by their peers.
Asocial behavior can be observed commonly these days and has been a constant presence in the society,
especially amongst young adults, who are especially sensitive to socializing with their classmates and age group
during their adolescence.