This note will be useful for beginners in socionics: it will help you to form a basic understanding of the functions. Once you’ve learned this information, we recommend to go deeper into the design of model. You can learn more about fundamental function properties in this article.
So, how can we briefly describe each function?
The Leading function is our objective zone. With the First function we see the world as it really is (from our point of view). For example, the leading Fi does not just say “I like” or “I dislike”, but talks about what is objectively bad or good, which values are the most “right” in its opinion.
The Creative function is our zone of naturalness. Interaction with information with the Second function is very easy, so easy that we usually do not even notice it. You can often hear: “I don’t see my Creative function”. For example, a Creative Fe, without wondering, easily chooses the words, gestures and means of expression, performs direct actions, not considering that it does something special.
The Role function is something that we are not interested in. The Third function doesn’t have a lot of confusion or interest in its aspect. We may get tense and pay attention to this information, but we get tired of it quickly. Role Ne can come up with some ideas (for example, how to name a project or where to go for a walk), but it will be boring to fantasize about what will never happen or to immerse itself in other worlds in films or books.
The Vulnerable function is something we do not know how to do. The information on the Fourth function is unclear and imperceptible to us: it is not learned well. At the same time, we are aware of our difficulties in learning information, and, as a rule, we focus on them ourselves as what is inaccessible to us and what causes great difficulties. For example, a Vulnerable Ti often mentions that it “doesn’t understand” something, “where the truth is and where we are misled”, can’t catch the patterns and make connections between different things.
The Suggestive function is what we lack. The information on the Fifth function is poorly understood, but it is pleasant, in some cases has an almost hypnotic effect on us. Without external influence, Suggestive is unable to cope with the learning of information, so we may have a feeling of loss, fear, when there is no suggestion from outside. For example, a Suggestive Te likes to listen/read/view/receive information related to the application of technology, skills. It is trembled by people who “know what they are doing”.
The Mobilizing function is our favorite tool. We take great pleasure in “delving” into the information on the Sixth function, checking on our own experience, thinking about how it can be applied to the goals set by other functions. For example, the owner of a Mobilizing Se loves to think about how to become a more powerful and authoritative person, about money and other resources, about status and how much he/she can endure and overcome.
The Ignoring function is our zone of selfishness. The Seventh function works only for itself: we don’t want others to get involved and don’t want something to be demanded from us. We don’t seek help or recognition. For example, an Ignoring Si enjoys the feeling to the extent that it wants, it has its own, as a rule, strange tastes in food, aesthetics, comfort (like sleeping on a hard surface or love of very strong coffee).
The Demonstrative function is our altruism zone. The Eighth function, on the contrary, works first of all for others, protecting them from problems with information learning. We do it by default and do not wait for gratitude or recognition. For example, Demonstrative Ni constantly monitors the course of events, anticipating the possible consequences not only of its own but also of others’ actions, and in case of which it unobtrusively shares this information with others.