Blog #2: Personality Types in PLN spaces

 







When it comes to Personal Learning Networks (PLNs), personality plays a big role in how we engage, share, and learn from others. To dig deeper into how my personality influences my PLN interactions, I took three different personality tests: the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), the Five-Factor Personality Test, and the 16 Personalities test. My MBTI type came out as ENFP (Extraverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving), which was confirmed by my 16 Personalities test as an ENFP - Campaigner. The Five-Factor Personality Test highlighted my strong scores in both extraversion and neuroticism. So, what does all this mean for the way I show up in my PLN spaces?

As an ENFP, I bring a lot of energy and enthusiasm into my PLN interactions. I thrive on new ideas, engaging conversations, and connecting with people. This means I’m always excited to discuss new concepts, collaborate, and share resources. I tend to be the kind of person who jumps into discussions with curiosity and a desire to explore multiple perspectives. Because of this, I bring creativity and a fresh outlook to PLN spaces. However, my love for new ideas sometimes means I struggle to stay focused or follow through on long-term projects. It’s something I have to be mindful of, especially when trying to contribute meaningfully to professional discussions.

My high extraversion score reinforces this aspect of my personality. I thrive in interactive, social learning environments and find energy in connecting with others. Whether it’s a Twitter chat, a professional development workshop, or an online discussion group, I feel most engaged when there’s a strong exchange of ideas. I enjoy being an active participant, initiating conversations, and helping to build relationships within my PLN. I don’t just consume information—I want to connect with the people behind the insights and build meaningful collaborations. This makes me a natural networker and a facilitator of discussions, always eager to bring people together and keep the momentum going. On the flip side, my excitement sometimes leads me to overcommit, and I have to remind myself to take a step back, reflect, and absorb rather than constantly move to the next interaction.

One of the more interesting aspects of my personality results was my high neuroticism score. This means I can be highly emotional and reactive to stress, which can sometimes feel overwhelming in PLN spaces where there’s a constant flow of information and opportunities. However, this emotional sensitivity also makes me deeply invested in the work I do. When I care about a topic, I’m fully engaged, and my passion translates into strong advocacy for the causes I believe in. Whether it’s inclusive library services or innovative teaching strategies, I bring a high level of commitment to my PLN discussions. At times, though, I have to set boundaries to avoid burnout and remind myself that I don’t need to participate in every single conversation to make an impact.

Overall, my personality makes me an engaged, enthusiastic, and socially active PLN participant. I bring curiosity, creativity, and passion to the spaces I’m part of, but I also have to be mindful of balance. Understanding these aspects of myself helps me navigate PLN spaces in a way that is both meaningful and sustainable.

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