Why internet is going crazy for the word 'otrovert' coined by New York–based psychiatrist

At social gaterings, most people fall into familiar categories: the introvert who prefer quiet corners, the extroverts who thrive in the spotlight, and the ambiverts who balance both. Yet, there are those who attend the party, smile, chat, and even enjoy themselves but still feel emotionally detached. They don't fit into any existing personality label. Enter the otrovert!

The term was coined by New York based psychiatrist Dr Rami Kaminski, who openly identifies as one. Speaking in an exclusive interview with India Today, he shared, “I have always been a non-belonger. I navigate the world without truly feeling part of it.” His experience, echoed by his patients over decades of clinical practice, led him to name and define this personality type. The concept is central to his book The Gift of Not Belonging, published this year, where he explains how otroverts live outside the boundaries of communal belonging.

Defining the word otrovert

Unlike introverts, extroverts, or ambiverts, otroverts are characterized by a fundamental disconnection from group identity. They can function socially, laugh, build strong one-on-one relationships, and even be popular, but emotionally they remain outsiders.

Dr Kaminski explains that as children, most people are conditioned to adapt to groups, but otroverts cannot conform in the same way.

Psychologically, they are seen as self-sufficient individuals who don't rely on external validation. They regulate their emotions internally, are resilient, and maintain a strong sense of individuality. Unlike introverts, who recharge in solitude, otroverts recharge through in solitude or extroverts who gain energy from crowds, otroverts recharge through relational engagement but never quite blend in the group.

Otrovert vs. Ambivert

Much of the online debate circles around the difference between ambiverts and otroverts. Psychotherapist Dr. Chandni Tugnait clarifies that ambiverts' engagement with social life is situational, and sometimes people need people, and sometimes solitude. For otroverts, however, their sense of disconnection is fundamental. An ambivert may feel refreshed after a weekend alone, while an otrovert might feel restless or adrift in the same situation.

So, what do you think? Are you an otrovert?